Tools and Strategy for Distance Learning to Respond COVID-19 Pandemic in Indonesia

Abstract

Distance learning is a learning process that allows students and instructors are in different physical locations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, various countries including Indonesia chose the distance learning option to avoid the spread of the pandemic. However, the implementation of distance learning is not without problems. In Indonesia, the problems to implement distance learning are enormous both in terms of equitable distribution of infrastructure and costs for accessing the internet. To overcome these problems, research about best distance learning tools and its implementation strategy is really needed. Therefore, this research aimed to analyze the strategies and tools for implementing distance learning that reliable and cost-effective for the student at the same time. Based on research that has been conducted by analyzing questionnaire surveys of 256 students in Indonesia, this research recommends tools combination strategy consists of Google Classroom tool as a learning app, Whatsapp group as broadcast messaging and Zoom as a video conference media for distance learning. This research also recommended to maximize the elearning/learning app features for theoretical lessons and consider video conference just in practical lessons so that the distance learning costs become cheaper for students.

Keywords: distance learning, online learning, pandemic, COVID-19, distance learning tools