The Implementation of Online Learning in Elementary Schools During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine how online learning was implemented in elementary schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research was conducted in elementary schools in the Muara Enim District, in Sumatra Selatan, Indonesia. This was descriptive research and a qualitative approach was used. The research subjects were elementary school teachers. Data were collected through observations, interviews, and documentation analysis. Data were analyzed using the Miles and Huberman model. The results showed that: 1) teachers were not ready in terms of planning and implementing online learning; 2) most elementary school teachers in Muara Enim District used the Whatsapp application in the process of implementing online learning; 3) online learning tended to be less effective because elementary school students still dependend on teachers and parents; 4) student learning outcomes tended to increase during online learning; this was indicated by the average score of students which was ≤ 70 before online learning and ≥ 90 after online learning. Teachers were still hesitant in reporting the assessment of student learning outcomes, because during online learning the teacher cannot supervise students’ completion of the assignments. For this reason, parent cooperation is needed for educating and guiding their children during online learning and so that teachers can determine the development of student learning outcomes at home. Keywords: effectiveness, online learning, elementary school, COVID-19 pandemic, Whatsapp