Perceptions of first-year students in online lectures in the Covid-19 pandemic era viewed from learning motivation

Abstract

The purpose is to describe the perception of first-year students towards online lectures during the pandemic viewed from learning motivation. The research method used descriptive qualitative with a case study approach. This study’s subjects consisted of 165 first-year students with heterogeneous backgrounds. The sampling technique employed was the purposive sampling technique. The collecting data, technique of questionnaire, observation, and interviews were carried out online. Data analysis technique was then utilized, covering the stages of data validity, data collection, data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results revealed students' perceptions of online lectures that (1) the preferred type of communication was semi-two-way, (2) the preferred type of media was SPADA, Google Meet, and WhatsApp, and (3) the preferred type of lecture material was modules, learning videos, and video conferencing. In addition, (4) there was a positive perception of lecturer skills, primarily regarding lecture interactions, and (5) more than 50% of students were satisfied with online lectures. Viewed from learning motivation, student perceptions uncovered that (1) learning motivation did not affect student perceptions of online lectures, and (2) there were findings of factors influencing student perception of online lectures, namely, internal factors in the form of study habits, physical and mental health, and external factors in the form of a learning environment. This study concludes that students had a positive perception of online lectures, and several factors affected the student's perception of online lectures.