Learning Through Digital Media: Opportunity and Challenge among Indonesian Citizens
Anggun Nadia Fatimah*

Department of Public Relations and Digital Communication, Faculty of Social Science, Universitas Negeri Jakarta, Jakarta, Indonesia
*anggun.nadia[at]unj.ac.id

Abstract

To learn is human right. In Indonesia, the law stated that education is the right of people, regardless their races, places, and social status. However, even in this digitalized era, digital divide seemed to be seen as an ongoing challenge for Indonesian citizen. This study was designed to look deeper on how digital media could possibly widen learning opportunity, the practices, and challenges based on the concept of e-learning learner experience. Focusing on the widely used digital media platform, namely mobile instant messaging and social media application, this qualitative study engaged with 14 citizens from nine different regions in Indonesia, who joined virtual learning communities. Data was collected through phone interview and further analysed with thematic analysis. Result of the study shown that people with high intention to learn were voluntarily joined a virtual learning community to optimize their learning opportunity. In their communities, digital media served as a catalyst for knowledge sharing and provided a place to meet people from the same visions, needs, and interest. The e-learning learner experience was found to be positive due to the clear intentions, regardless the obstacles. Challenges of this practice were related to the internet access especially from those coming from the outer or less developed regions.

Keywords: digital media, digital divide, E-learning Learner Experience, virtual learning community

Topic: Digital Era, Technology, and Citizenship