Online Learning for Early Childhood (Case Study in Indonesia)

Abstract

This article describes online learning in early childhood education in Indonesia. Particular attention is paid to the Greater Jakarta area, which is a buffer area of the capital city of Indonesia. This study used a survey method with a questionnaire containing five open-ended questions that the respondents could fill in freely. The questionnaire was distributed through an online form to early childhood education teachers and parents of young children. Respondents answers were grouped based on their similarity and sorted based on the number of answers, then analyzed quantitatively and descriptively. The results showed that online learning is difficult to implement in early childhood education. The enforced application of online learning in early childhood actually creates many obstacles and causes an unfavorable impact on early childhood behavior while learning. However, online learning in early childhood must still be implemented during a pandemic as it is the only option. The solution to increase the abilities and skills of teachers in planning and implementing online learning include the ability to involve parents. The results of this study are expected to be a reference by teachers, parents, and early childhood education providers in implementing effective online learning in early childhood education in a fun way and paying attention to the characteristics of early childhood.