The Era of E-Learning and the Challenges for Rural Areas

Abstract

Unequal access to technology and the internet is one of the main challenges to online learning in rural areas that led to a significant disparity in access to quality education. Additionally, those students and teachers have struggled with the transition to online learning due to a lack of technical skills and familiarity with digital tools. This study investigates the online teaching strategies implemented by senior high school English teachers in rural areas South Sumatera amidst COVID-19 pandemic. Six English teachers at senior high schools participated in this study and were interviewed in an in-depth semi-structured interview. Using a qualitative method, the data gathered from the interview was analyzed using transcription and identifications of important themes emerged. There are four important themes discussed as the results: learning preparation, instructional strategies, assessment, and personal development. Despite the challenges, the teachers demonstrated resilience and creativity in developing strategies to ensure that their students could access quality education.