Alchamdani A, Fatmasari, Anugrah ER, Sari NP, Putri F, Astina A (2020). The Impact of COVID19 Pandemic on Online Learning Process in the College at Southeast Sulawesi. Jurnal Kesehatan Lingkungan, 12(1 Special Issue), 129-136.
Introduction
The study by Alchamdani et al. aimed to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the online learning process in universities located in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. With the implementation of lockdown measures and social distancing protocols, universities had to abruptly shift to online learning modalities. The authors sought to understand how this transition affected various aspects of the learning experience, such as the availability of resources, student engagement, and overall perceptions.
Critique
One of the strengths of this study is its timeliness, as it addresses a pressing issue faced by educational institutions worldwide during the pandemic. The use of a descriptive survey design with a purposive sampling technique allowed the researchers to capture the perspectives of a diverse group of students from multiple universities in the region. The inclusion of various factors, such as internet access, device availability, and online learning platforms, provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges encountered.
However, there are some limitations to consider. The sample size of 170 students, while adequate for a descriptive study, may not be representative of the entire student population in Southeast Sulawesi. Additionally, the reliance on self-reported data from students might introduce potential biases or inaccuracies. The study could have benefited from triangulating the findings with data from instructors or institutional records.
Furthermore, the study primarily focuses on describing the challenges and perceptions of online learning but does not delve deeper into potential solutions or recommendations for improving the online learning experience. A more comprehensive analysis of best practices or strategies employed by universities that performed relatively well during the transition could have provided valuable insights.
Conclusion
Overall, the study by Alchamdani et al. provides a timely and relevant examination of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on online learning in universities located in Southeast Sulawesi. While the findings highlight various challenges faced by students, such as inadequate internet access, difficulty understanding materials, and financial constraints, the study also acknowledges the potential benefits of online learning, including flexibility and convenience. To further enhance the study’s contribution, future research could explore the experiences and perspectives of instructors, as well as investigate specific strategies or interventions that universities implemented to mitigate the challenges of online learning during the pandemic. Additionally, a comparative analysis across different regions or institutions could provide valuable insights into the variations in online learning experiences and identify best practices for effective implementation.
