Challenges and Opportunities of Online Learning : Can Online Learning Continue to be Applied in Indonesia?

Challenges and Opportunities of Online Learning: Can Online Learning Continue to be Applied in Indonesia? 

The online learning system started when the COVID-19 pandemic became more widespread so almost all countries in the world implemented this learning system, including Indonesia. Online learning is a learning system carried out online; not face to face directly; it relies on the internet. The early implementation of this learning system reaped a lot of controversy among the community, both from the students, teachers, and even parents. Starting from kindergarten, elementary, junior high, high school, to college. However, the government was forced to implement online learning to prevent the high spread of the COVID-19 virus. In the end, until today, the application is slowly starting to be abolished due to several reasons, but not a few schools or universities are still implementing the learning system.

The discontinuation of the online learning system is news that comes as a relief to some people, especially children. Many of them experience social disorders, such as being anti-social, and lazy, reducing the activity and creativity children. What's more, by studying at home, children become addicted to gadgets. So that parents feel happy with the return of the direct application of learning. During online learning, many parents complain because they are troubled with their children's assignments. Because parents also take part in the process. As for all levels of education (student participants), they have the same complaint, namely, the internet network. Especially those who live in rural areas, where network availability is still scarce. Some even have to go to the hills to get an internet network. The learning tools are in the form of smartphones because not all students are able to have these sophisticated tools. Moreover, the cost to buy an internet quota is not cheap. Even though the government has made a policy of providing free learning quotas, in fact, there are still many of them who do not receive the assistance. In addition to students, complaints also come from teachers, they are required to master technology to create creative online learning methods. However, this is not easy for teachers who are no longer young.

On the other hand, the application of online learning has benefited some people. Especially students, students who live far from universities, such as outside the city or island, feel happy with the application of online learning. That way they not only save on transportation costs but other living costs, such as renting a boarding house and studying expenses. If usually all assignments are collected through paper, during online learning, all assignments are made digitally. The implementation, which can be done anywhere or flexible, is a big advantage for students. During online learning, children's time with parents becomes more intense. Thus, it can strengthen the relationship between parents and children to be closer and understand each other better. In addition, while at home, many of them (students) find new hobbies or explore their hobbies or skills at home. Such as cultivating hydroponic plantations, painting, and reading. Parents also feel calm because their children can be monitored 24 hours

The online learning system is a new culture in the world of Indonesian education. So do not be surprised if its application raises a lot of controversies. Some people agree with the decision, but there are also those who reject the application of online learning. This happened because of the lack of preparation and adaptation of the community to the policy. Because in its application the community is forced to adapt to technology that is still common. Actually learning online is also a positive thing that is useful for the wider community. Like parents who were previously passive in their children's educational activities, they become more active. And all people become accustomed to technology, both students, teachers, and parents. Thus, it can be concluded that, although this online learning system has a negative impact on social interaction, it cannot be denied that with this online learning system, people become more active, understand, and familiar with the technology. Because as we know as time goes by, technology is getting more sophisticated. So that this is an opportunity for all of us to learn together by utilizing technology, one of which is through education.