The Effective Use of Full Online Learning to Replace Classroom Learning During the Covid-19 Pandemic

TLDR: There is a need for the increase in teachers’ competence and usage intensity regarding online learning in faculties and universities because online learning was unable to replace classroom learning because its implementation and effectiveness failed to meet policymakers’ expectations at the university level.

Abstract: Background: The emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic led to the global change of academic learning strategy from classroom to online mode. Before the emergence of the virus, online learning at a medium scale has been implemented to support the educational system in Indonesia. However, due to the pandemic and to reduce the spread of the virus, online learning became the main and sole place of learning. Objective: This study investigates the implementation and effectiveness of online learning at the faculty of humanities at a University in Jambi, Indonesia, since the Covid-19 pandemic. Method: This is quantitative research. Self-report questionnaires with 5-point Likert scales were used to obtain data from 441 respondents by using the Survey Monkey application. Result: The result showed that online learning was not implemented at the top level of 4.20, using an inadequate replacement process. Furthermore, all categories of online learning implementation, such as design, course communication, time management, and technical skills, were not optimally obtained, while the categories were inadequately effective in replacing classroom learning. Conclusion: Online learning was unable to replace classroom learning because its implementation and effectiveness failed to meet policymakers’ expectations at the university level. Therefore, there is a need for the increase in teachers’ competence and usage intensity regarding online learning in faculties and universities.