Hi Everyone,
I would like to share my opinion about the hot issue regarding the government's plan to start opening the school in the new academic year. As we can see, the minister of education and culture of Indonesia, Nadiem Makarim has said that Indonesia will implement hybrid learning soon after everyone gets vaccinated. In May 2021, he said that most probably in the school year 2021 - 2022 the government will start to implement it. However, we all know that we are struggling with the new Covid - 19 virus this couple of weeks. The data shows that the numbers have raised, and surprisingly we can see the children on the data.
Despite what the government will decide later, as teachers, we have to start to equip ourselves with the knowledge and other things we need, to conduct hybrid learning. First, we need to know what hybrid learning is. There is another term that we also hear a lot these days; blended learning. So, I will share my experience which probably will give a new perspective on how you conduct online/distance/remote learning.
Blended learning is not something new for me. I was employed by Mr. Indra Charismiadji about 12 years ago as a teacher and also teacher coordinator in Jogjakarta, introducing CALL (Computer Assisted Language Learning) for learning English. Mr. Indra, who now is well-known as an educational observer in Indonesia, has worked with many schools and education institution in using CALL, which what we call as blended learning as well. Blended means 'mix' while hybrid means 'combination'. The concept of blended learning is to mix the conventional class with the use of technology. So, the students in the conventional classroom may use the internet to do the assignments or doing a teleconference.
Hybrid learning is the combination of many learning methods. Teachers will divide the learning process into many sessions. For example; face to face sessions (conventional class), online sessions, scoring sessions, and also learning by videos (youtube) sessions. So in short, when we do hybrid learning at the same time we will do blended learning as well. While when we do blended learning, it doesn't mean that it is hybrid learning.
Now, let's move to some statements from parents, students, and teachers during their online learning and my personal suggestion to overcome the problems based on my experience.
1. Parents: Online Learning is not effective at all.
When I heard this opinion from parents, I will make further investigation what it means by the word ' not effective' in this context. I will see how the teacher delivers the lessons. I will see how the child maintains the learning motivation and how far the parents involve in the learning process. Online learning can be so effective when all the people involved in it understand the roles on each side. The government has made the decision to allow the school to modify and simplify the curriculum. So, based on my understanding, the students will be taught only materials which will be essential to prepare them for the next level. Students will not be pushed to stay on screen from 7am - 3am with bunches of homework or projects (suppose to be like that in my opinion). Parents also need to take part in supporting this system, at least they can monitor the children whether they focus on their studies or doing something else, whether they have finished all the due assignments or not, whether their children need to be taught in sending an email with the attachment and so on. If additional help is needed, they can always discuss with the school for the best solution. The students also need to fully understand their role and do their part. They have to maintain their motivation to study and adjust to online learning. How? I taught my students to make a 'to-do list' not to miss any assignments.
2. Teachers: My students get bored with my lesson and play games during online learning.
As teachers, we suppose not to stop learning. This situation supposes to make us keep updating ourselves to technology or any new teaching approaches that best suit the class. Good teachers should believe in their students' potential and for sure automatically seek for new knowledge so they can transfer what they have learned to the students successfully. Besides the simplified curriculum, we need to remember the basic needs of the students. Early childhood education and elementary level are the very important age where we can SHAPE their ATTITUDE. So, let's focus on that. We can create some simple activities related to the lessons that will help them to understand it well but also at the same time create a happy environment for the family. For example, we can give them an assignment to create a recipe with their mom and measure the ingredients (learning fraction in Math).
Some people said that creating bonding between teacher and student is so difficult and also shaping their discipline is almost impossible. I create groups with my students in some chatting applications and social media and we talk about everything as well. I made a personal approach to students who found difficulties in the lesson and listen to their opinion. It works well. Maybe you can try it.
3. Students: I can't follow online learning. I want to see my friends.
Everyone, not only the students want to go back to school and have school life normally. However, you need to remember that the most important for you now is your health. When you feel under pressure, you should communicate with your parents and teachers, so they can help you find a solution. Remember, that without your willingness to study, it will be impossible to succeed the online learning.
4. Students in rural areas.
Another challenge is the internet connection. It needs government involvement to solve this problem. One of the solutions is satellite internet. I am not endorsing the brand/company, just to show you that actually there is always a solution to any problem.
So, how will the government conduct hybrid learning? The school will accommodate the students who learn at school and at home at the same time. So, the teacher needs to be a multitask teacher dividing his/her focus during teaching to monitor the students who are in class and also in zoom (virtual). It is challenging for the teacher, but as humans, we are blessed with the ability to adapt to any new situation. If the government finally decides about having hybrid learning, everybody needs to be ready to adjust to it to make the teaching-learning process effective and efficient and keep everyone safe and healthy as well. Let's wait and see.
I hope it triggers everyone's awareness and understanding about online learning, especially in welcoming the plan of hybrid learning. Don't give up, be strong and adjust yourselves.
Keep healthy and happy,
Dee
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