Online learning becomes a solution for students in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis. Almost all university has shifted to online-based learning at this period of time. In order to prevent the spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) around the campus, Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH) decided to changes its learning system into an online-based one starting from March 18, 2020. Online learning is not a new thing for UPH, some course subject has incorporated online learning previously. However, regarding the pandemic, UPH will apply online learning for all academic activities in every department.

Surely, this will be a new experience for many students. Here are some experienced shared by UPH students who has been doing online learning during the COVID-19 crisis.

Flexibility

Most students said that online learning has given them the flexibility, especially in terms of time. A similar opinion was also stated by Brayent Vivaldi Filemona, International Relations (2019).

“Online learning gives us flexibility, especially in terms of time. It’s more effective and efficient because I don’t have to actually go to campus, I just have to open my laptop from home. I could even reduce my spending because I would not have to pay for parking fees and many other things. Through this online learning, I have to be more independent and responsible with my own time,” said Brayent.

Aside from Brayent, Charlene Octavian, Food Technology (2016) and James Pangkiey, Management (2017) also admitted that the online learning system is great because of its flexibility, they can learn anywhere, anytime.

Campus’ Readiness to Facilitate the Online Learning System

In undergoing the online learning period, a university needs sufficient information and communication system. For the online learning period, UPH has prepared a supporting system for lecturers to deliver their materials for students, so they can learn independently. Verlin, Law (2017), said that UPH’s system has really made this online learning period effective. Moreover, Charlene Oktavian also said that students can still do online presentations, with their lecturer and friends watching them like they would in a regular class situation.

Interactive

The online learning period does not reduce the interactivity and communication between lecturers and their students. This was admitted by Spetiana, Communication (2017). “Turns out, with a full online learning, we can still communicate and interact with our lecturers. It becomes even more fun for some occasion. Our lecturers are always available for us to contact,” said Septi.

A similar statement was also shared by James who feels that the lecturers in Management UPH are always interactive and are able to deliver effective learning even through an online platform.

Taking part in the #StayatHome Campaign

The massive COVID-19 outbreak in Indonesia has filled the social media with the #stayathome (or #dirumahaja) hashtag as a response towards President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s call for Indonesian people to stay at home. This call to stay at home is a drastic measure taken by the government to break the chain of COVID-19 transmissions which might happen if people keep doing their activities regularly. Up until this day, data shows that there are more than 500.000 use for the #dirumahaja hashtag on Instagram only.

Through the online learning system, UPH hopes that students can stay safe and follow the government’s call to stay at home. According to Verlin and Dennis Christian, Electrical Engineering (2018), this online learning system could protect them from possible transmission of the COVID-19 because they won’t have to interact with many people.