Indonesian University Students’ Likes and Dislikes about Emergency Remote Learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze what university students in Indonesia like and dislike about the emergency remote learning process, which was implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The case of Indonesia reveals what the majority of higher education in developing countries faced during the COVID-10 period. This research used a qualitative phenomenological approach. This study's participants were 80 social studies in education students at the Faculty of Education at a state university in Jakarta, Indonesia. The inquiry consisted of a thorough study of participants' diaries of day-to-day learning and reflective essays and an online focus group of discussions. The results revealed what students liked about learning from home during the COVID-19 crisis, which was grouped into three overarching themes of flexibility and efficiency, self-care and self-development, and learning new technology. Whereas, what students did not like was grouped into three main themes: lack of structure, technological difficulties, and financial barriers. By knowing what students like and dislike, we can try to reduce aspects that are not liked and may become obstacles to learning; and further improve the activities and features that students enjoy. As a result, the quality of remote learning in this pandemic could be enhanced, and students' ability to study in any circumstances could be increased.