UNS — Online learning amid the Covid-19 pandemic often experiences challenges. At the university level, teachers and students need to prepare themselves to ensure the success of the learning process. Responding to this problem, the Disaster Study Center (PSB) Institute of Research and Community Service (LPPM) Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta took an initiative step. It held a webinar on “Universitas Sebelas Maret Students Online Learning Strategy Amid the Covid-19 Pandemic” on Tuesday (6/8/2021).
This webinar invited a Professor from Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI), Prof. Enok Maryani, M.S, and was held through the Zoom Cloud Meeting attended by more than 90 participants. Opening her session, Prof. Enok considers that it is normal if students and teachers were stammered in implementing online learning because it is forced to substitute offline learning. Prof. Enok also reminded that education quality is not measured solely on student’s technical and non-technical skills but also on the global ability to collaborate and communicate. Independence is a vital indicator in online learning.
“Education function is not just enabling students to survive basic skills, but also to adapt and integrate into the global community,” Prof. Enok explained.
Based on the existing survey, it was found that on average, Generation Z used seven hours a day to use their electronic device. Indonesia, especially, experienced rapid digital development with internet user growth higher than global growth. With the development in digital content, the online learning process needs several supports, such as quality of device and internet speed, and flexible approach in the learning process, both through synchronous and personal approaches. Learning Management System (LMS), creativity, and teacher innovation are also vital factors to ensure learning quality. Prof. Enok added that online learning relies more on oral knowledge transfer because it is hard to deliver a message through body language on an online platform.
In her material, Prof. Enok also offered several solutions for the issues. The first supports are evenly distributed and standardized facilities, followed by improving technology proficiency. After these factors were met, independence is the next focus. Learning independence includes motivation, time management, and self-control. Other offered solutions are improving information literacy, creativity, innovation, and networking.
University teachers are also expected to prepare appropriate learning methods. Various preparation through human resource development, visual-based learning, and student-centered learning could help teachers shape critical and creative thinking in students.
“We cannot remain an idealist. We need to choose essential learning objectives,” Prof. Enok said. Humas UNS
Reporter: Rangga Pangestu Adji
Editor: Dwi Hastuti