Online Learning Engagement among Indonesian University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Rasch Model Analysis

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a sudden and dramatic disruption to all levels of education. Universities all around the world have had to transition from the traditional face-to-face learning and teaching mode to the online learning mode. Indonesian universities are no exception, as online learning through the internet has become the ‘new normal’ for both educators and students. However, little is known about students’ engagement in the online mode of instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in a developing country like Indonesia. The purpose of this non-experimental study was to investigate students’ engagement in online learning in terms of cognitive engagement, emotional engagement, and behavioral engagement. A total of 1303 public university students from Java Island, Indonesia participated in the study. Using the Rasch model analysis, the validity and reliability of the study’s instrument was established as good. The findings of the study showed that Indonesian students face difficulties adapting to full online learning. Differential item functioning (DIF) was conducted to assess students’ engagement in the online learning mode, specifically with regard to students’ demographic factors (gender and level of study), which revealed unique outcomes. The findings of this study help educators understand students’ responses to and engagement in online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in public universities in Indonesia. This study also encourages educators to reflect on their own online teaching and learning activities during the pandemic. Implications and recommendations for future research on blended learning practices are presented. © 2022 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.