Learning Innovations and Strengthening Student Character Through Distance Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on Indonesia’s education system. Learning has had to be conducted remotely to prevent students from contracting COVID-19. The purpose of this study was to determine the innovations implemented by teachers so that learning could continue and to find out how student character can be strengthened through distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative approach was taken, using a case study design. Data were collected through interviews with informants. The results showed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, learning was carried out in online networks by utilizing technology. ZOOM and WhatsApp were the applications most often used in the learning process. It was also found that the character of students can be strengthened through distance learning. For example, some teachers suggested that students pray together with their close family and other relatives. Teachers also encouraged students to help with the house chores of the family. Keywords: pandemic, COVID-19, learning, innovation, technology, character, student