Impact of E-Learning on Learning Mandarin in Elementary Schools During Covid-19

Abstract

In the teaching and learning process, the roles of teachers and students will be balanced if there is good communication between them. However, learning methods from face-to-face to e-learning suddenly prompt the teachers to look for various alternatives to convey the material due to COVID-19 pandemic. The research analyzes the impact of COVID-19 on the learning process, especially Mandarin, in an elementary school. The research uses a descriptive-analytical method with questionnaires. The questionnaires are filled out by 34 students from the fifth grade in Bina Kusuma Elementary School, Jakarta. The research finds the positive impacts of elearning in the school regarding Mandarin learning. First, the subject is more interesting and easier to understand. Second, students can learn the right notes and pronunciation independently. Third, using WhatsApp and Zoom can help students recall previously learned vocabulary. Fourth, students can learn new vocabulary independently. Fifth, e-learning can motivate students to learn and gain experience from new learning methods. Sixth, students can manage their time in learning, so they become more independent. Last, students can study anywhere and anytime without time and space limits. However, the weakness of e-learning is the speed of the internet. It affects the students in obtaining the provided subject by the teachers.

Learning Asian Languages Using Online Platforms during Pandemic Times: Evidence from Indonesian Youth

“…Learners need more time to research the answers to their questions, there is even no guarantee that the answers are correct unless they have communicated with the lecturer. From here, it can be seen that if learners face obstacles in the learning process, it can reduce their motivation to study online (Ying et al 2021).…”

“…Online learning also allows learners to have full control on their own study, so they can learn and practice at their own pace (Soliman 2014). This will accelerate learners to take in more knowledge and be able to absorb knowledge (Ying et al 2021). The online learning method will be a more productive choice for students because it is successful in fostering independent learning according to the rate they prefer.…”

“…However, several studies have revealed some disadvantages of online learning, such as dependence on internet access and speed of the internet (Ying et al 2021). Learners with limited skills on technology and the internet will be unable to follow the learning process due to these technical limitations (Rahmat et al 2021).…”

“…Online learning also reduces the number of face-to-face meetings between lecturers and learners, hence minimizes social relations in learning activities (Mohammadi et al 2011). Not a few of them feel the dilemma of the difference between online and face-to-face learning methods (Ying et al 2021). Online learning media also has limitations in conducting questions and answers.…”

Learning Korean using Online Platforms Following the Success of “Squid Game” and during Pandemic Times

“…In addition, e-learning can improve foreign language skills in reading, listening, speaking, and writing. The use of e-learning is a new learning process that can provide new experiences (Ying, Mulyadan, and Lim 2021).…”