The University Students’ Perspectives on the Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Learning Due to COVID-19

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic from the university students’ perspectives. This phenomenon is a stage for humans to adapt to the current situation and conditions so that they will find a new pattern of life or what is known as New Normal Life. During this pandemic, tertiary institutions have transformed the system through full online learning. At this moment, an analysis of online learning advantages and disadvantages based on the university students’ perspectives as actors who directly feel the impact of these changes is needed. The method in this research employs a narrative approach. Data collection was done through interviews set online. This research was conducted on students at Universitas Negeri Malang. The informants were selected based on the representation of each department in the university. The research data were analyzed based on the results of studies and focus group discussions (FGD) related to the implementation of online learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The results showed that the flexibility of time and material filing, as well as documentation became more organized. Based on the perspective of the students, on the other hand, online learning has some shortcomings, including less interactive lecturers, excessive assignments given, frequently changing schedules, inadequate facilities, limited internet access or unstable internet networks, and constraints on practicum course. This article could contribute to the evaluation of online teaching during the Covid-