Students’ perception of online learning amidst the Covid-19 pandemic: A study of junior, senior high school and college students in a remote area

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about many changes in all sectors of life, especially in the field of education. These changes aim to make the learning process more effective in the pandemic environment. However, it can be challenging, as some students do not give positive responses to these changes, especially those in remote areas. This article aims to identify and report students' perceptions about the effectiveness of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic in the remote North Tapanuli region of Indonesia. Methods: In this study, data were obtained using an online survey involving 30 students from three levels of education, namely junior high school, senior high school, and college. The data gathered from the survey were analyzed using quantitative descriptive methods. Results: Results show that online learning is considered less effective by students in remote areas; this happens because communication networks and infrastructure do not adequately support them to follow online learning. Conclusion: Teachers need to evaluate how to teach as well as re-design models and approaches to be applied in learning. This can be achieved by adjusting to the student’s current situation to generate interest and willingness to learn online.

Students’ Perceptions of Online Learning during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Approach

“…Moreover, students in remote areas found online learning to be less efficient than faceto-face learning because they do not have the appropriate communication networks and infrastructure required to follow online learning [40]. Other studies also described broadband connectivity issues in rural areas as a significant challenge for students to make use of online learning initiatives [41].…”

Students’ Perception towards New Face of Education during This Unprecedented Phase of COVID-19 Outbreak: An Empirical Study of Higher Educational Institutions in Saudi Arabia

“…However, not every student can accept and adapt to this change. Each and every student is different from others in many aspects such as age, ability of thinking, and interest in technology, and these attributes affect the acceptance of change in the process of learning [ 20 ]. The reactions of students to online learning differ according to their ages, with the older students manifesting more acknowledgment for online learning.…”

Students’ Perceptions towards the Quality of Online Learning during the COVID-19 Lockdown: A Quantitative Study

“…All items are adopted from Students' perception of online learning amidst the COVID-19 pandemic: A study of junior, senior high school and college students in a remote area by Harefa and Sihombing (2021) with little modification to suit to the Bhutanese context. The survey included 20 items on a five-point Likert scale, from 1 (strongly disagree), 2 (disagree), 3 (neutral), 4 (agree), 5(strongly agree).…”