After a Year of Online Learning Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey of Indonesian Undergraduate Students’ Opinions and Behaviors

Abstract

Universities around Indonesia are currently adopting online lectures to keep the learning process running in the face of the COVID-19 outbreak. Online courses, thanks to the rapid advancement of ICT, allow students and lecturers to interact despite the stay-at-home policy. Because of its flexibility and modern lifestyle, this method is likely to continue to be used in the future. Therefore, this study examines the benefits and disadvantages of online learning and understands students’ expectations. With a total sample of 226 undergraduate students from four cities and seven universities in Indonesia, this research uses a descriptive survey design. The data collection technique was an online survey using Google Forms during May and June 2021. The results showed that most students viewed online learning during the pandemic as going well, although some students felt that their academic needs were not being met. Students find benefits of online learning, such as flexibility, cost savings, and increased confidence in engaging in discussions. However, the respondents identified a number of obstacles to achieve the ideal learning process, including low signal quality, limited laboratory practices, and high internet network expenses. Students reported certain disadvantages of online learning, such as limited interaction, irregular class schedules, and a high number of assignments. This study also found that most students lose their concentration easily. They also multitask during synchronous learning, where the side activities are mostly academically unrelated (e.g., doing daily activities, scrolling through social media, driving, and watching movies). From the data gathered, it is important for lecturers and universities to consider the reduction in assignments, meeting frequency, and duration of online learning to maintain students’ motivation and concentration