Virtual Learning During The COVID-19 Pandemic, A Disruptive Technology In Higher Education In Indonesia

Purpose. This study aims to determine the problems faced by universities in Indonesia, during the COVID-19 pandemic. And also, to identify the most widely used learning platforms, the constraints and to profer solutions to them. Methodology. The qualitative-descriptive methodology used was NVivo 12 software. Furthermore, the purposive sampling technique was utilized, consisting of 40 universities in Indonesia with 200 participants. The data were collected through Focus Group Discussions, conducted virtually on Zoom and Google Meet. The questions ranged from the experiences of the lecturers while using the online teaching programs, to the types of platform used, the challenges faced, and the solutions provided. Results. The data were obtained from 16 online learning media platforms, namely Whatsapp, Zoom, Google Meets, Edmodo, Google Classroom, Video Call. Email, E-learning, Webex, Facebook, Schoology, Padlet, Microsoft Team, Moodle, Blog, and Youtube. The most used platform was WhatsApp with 51 users, I.e., 25.5%, followed by Zoom meeting 44 (22.0%), Google Classroom 29 (1.5%), Google Meets 28 (14.0%). Email 18 (9.0%), E-learning 12 (6.0%), Youtube 4 (2.0%), Microsoft Teams 3 (1.5%), Facebook, Voice / Video Call, Webex with 1.0% each, and Blog, Edmodo, Moodle Padlet had 0.5% each . The problems encountered were an unstable signal, limited data quota, and weak internet connection. Conclusion: The biggest online learning platform during the pandemic was Whatsapp because it was the easiest to access and operate. The problem most faced was an unstable signal, especially in mountainous areas. The solution to this, is that the government needs to ensure that students have access to the best teaching and learning, fast internet, and increase the network to villages. Moreover, they should also establish good cooperation between the central and local government, and provide human resources for virtual learning