RAHMATIKA, TIA. 2021. Distance Learning during COVID-19 Pandemic for EFL Students: Barriers and Solutions (under supervisors of Dr. Sunardi, S.S., M.Hum. and Dr. Iwan Setiawan, M.Pd.). Samarinda: Unpublished Thesis. Mulawarman University.
The COVID-19 pandemic has compelled universities and higher education institutions to largely adopt distance learning to avoid face-to-face interactions. With the new norms of education, come new experiences and barriers. The purpose of this research was to investigate the barriers to distance learning and solutions for overcoming the barriers to distance learning. The design of this research was descriptive qualitative. Semi-structured interview was used to collect the data in getting deeper information needed for this research. Eight students of the fourth-semester of English Education Department of UIN Samarinda participated in this research. Interview results were analyzed based on thematic analysis proposed by Braun & Clarke (2006). The results highlighted four emerged themes as barriers found in distance learning: (1) interaction barriers, (2) instructional barriers, (3) instructor barriers, and (4) Technological barriers. Solutions to interaction barriers were (1) real-time interaction, (2) encouraging each other, (3) active in online discussion, and (4) provide communication facility. Solutions to instructional barriers were (1) giving proper assignment, (2) clear instruction, and (3) making lesson interesting. Solutions to instructor barriers were (1) immediate feedback and (2) easy access. Solutions to technological barriers were (1) internet infrastructure, (2) technology skills and (3) record & upload live lecture.