Implementation of Blended Learning Based on Whatsapp Group Media in Elementary School Students in the Society 5.0 Era

Abstract

The existence of Covid 19 marks the start of the era of society 5.0. where face-to-face interaction is severely limited, causing getting daily needs to be done online. This study aims to describe online learning based on whatsapp group media. The sample of this research is 10 schools in both Cirebon Regency and Cirebon City. The methodology used in this research is qualitative research with a descriptive research design. Data is collected using observation, interviews and documentation. The data analysis technique used is data reduction, data presentation and conclusion drawing. The results of the analysis consist of 4 main themes: implementation, supporting factors, inhibiting factors, and solutions.  The whatsapp application is used for discussions related to material and sending assignments. The inhibiting factor is that parents unable to provide facilities to access online learning due to the family's economic situation. In addition, students do not understand the material presented because of limited communication. The supporting factor is the free quota from the government, but unfortunately only a few students got it. In addition, students feel supported by videos from YouTube which are shared using the WhatsApp application. The results of this study are expected to provide an overview for educational practitioners related to whatsapp learning in blended learning. In addition, it can also be a reference for other researchers who will conduct similar research with a wider scale of research sample coverage.