Parents' Perceptions of Distance Learning during Covid-19 Pandemic in Rural Indonesia
This study aims to examine parents' perceptions of distance learning in response to the closure of many schools due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This research uses a qualitative approach with descriptive methods. The research subjects consisted of parents of elementary school students, and the data were collected using interview techniques. This study shows that distance learning in a research context is organized in the form of online and offline learning. For parents, the current learning approach is something that must be lived and supported in the absence of other options. Even though parents do not have negative perceptions, distance learning contributes to increasing the burden on parents or families economically, including psychological and social aspects. The lack of parental involvement and support in the learning process of children at home is generally due to the lack of time and the inability of parents to become teachers for their children at home. Actions to accompany and support children's learning at home are carried out in the form of providing internet packages, helping children to master the learning materials, and participating in completing assignments or tests given by the teacher. The surprising finding of this study is that children's learning motivation has decreased, and for the remainder of the school year, parents expect the government to reopen it so that children can study again in class and meet with their peers.