Online Learning Applications Used by English Language Education Study Program Students Batch 2017 on Teaching Practice 2020

Abstract

This study aimed to find out which online learning apps ELESP batch 2017 students prefer to use during their online teaching practice in 2020, with the most common apps being ZOOM, Google Classroom, WhatsApp, and Telegram. The study used the Quantitative-Descriptive research method in the English Language Education Study Program at Lambung Mangkurat University. The total sample size for this study was 45 students, with 26 teaching senior high school and 18 teaching junior high school. The data was subsequently gathered by distributing Google Form-based questionnaires, followed by interviews to obtain additional in-depth and precise information. The findings revealed that Google Classroom, WhatsApp, ZOOM, and Telegram were utilized by ELESP students in the 2017 batch, with Google Classroom being the most preferred due to its comprehensive features that facilitate online learning. On the other hand, Telegram is a lesser-used app since it is not as effective as the others in controlling student activity, sorting grades, and completing practical assignments. Furthermore, students considered WhatsApp to be more identifiable than Telegram, but the two apps are equivalent in functionality because they are both chat-based. Finally, ZOOM is also beneficial, especially in student control, due to its meeting-based program and effectiveness in controlling students' activity. However, it is ineffective in presenting written assignments.