Distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic: School closure in Indonesia

Abstract

This study investigates the distance learning process of teachers during school closure due to COVID-19's impact. This research focuses on the introduction of distance learning, the obstacles faced by teachers and approaches to addressing different hurdles in the implementation of distance learning. This study collected data from mathematics and science teachers spread in junior and senior high schools in Aceh Province, Indonesia. Data were collected through a questionnaire from 353 teachers and interview from 6 teachers to get in-depth information related to the focus of this study. The results of the study revealed that teachers could not directly utilize various Information and Communication Technology (ICT) devices and online learning platforms that are widely available in supporting distance implementation, either due to the ability of teachers, parents’ economic factors, limited internet access, and the absence of guidance. However, over time, the teacher can independently adapt to environmental conditions and the characteristics of students in carrying out distance learning.