Implementation of Online Learning during the Covid-19 Pandemic on Madura Island, Indonesia

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the online learning process and the associated obstacles experienced by students. With the background of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic outbreak, this study sought to uncover what social constructions the students engage in related to the new policy for online learning that has recently been enforced by the Indonesian government. A quantitative study was conducted with a descriptive research approach. There were 274 college student respondents from Madura, Indonesia. This study found that not all of the students prefer online learning, inclusive of expressing their disapproval that online learning is effective. Social, economic and cultural factors are important indicators that online learning has not been able to be effectively carried out in a number of regions in Indonesia. Rural communities are not ready to welcome the latest learning methods and they are still comfortable using conventional methods. Online learning on Madura Island is not only constrained by technical problems and facilities but also by the human resources that need to be encouraged to accept the latest learning models. Students consider this learning model to not be beneficial due to the presence of several obstacles, including the geographical area. This is because rural areas make it difficult to access the internet. They also have to buy an internet quota. Internet access in some applications requires a large quota so this becomes problem for some students, especially for those who come from lower-middle income families. Therefore the availability of supporting facilities and infrastructure as well as the facilitated internet access among rural communities, financial assistance and the socialisation of the importance of online learning is necessary. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.19.8.13