ONLINE METHOD AS AN EMERGENCY SOLUTION FOR STUDENT’S COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN INDONESIA

Abstract

There have been many studies related to Student’s Community Engagement (KKN) program during the COVID-19 pandemic, but no one has analysed it based on the student's experience. So, this study aims to explore the student experiences in implementing online KKN program during the pandemic. This study used qualitative methods and data collection carried out through observation, in-depth interviews, and literature studies. The results showed that as an emergency solution from the university, students as the core of online KKN are trying to adapt with the situation and the latest regulation during the pandemic. Then, because the activities are carried out from home and far from the KKN location, the internet becomes the main access to stay connected. Several lessons learned from the online KKN student’s experiences are: first, students are able to accept rapid changes in their life realities which are sometimes not in accordance with their ideals that have been planned. Second, in the new normal era, students still have to participate in empowering rural communities according to their capacity. Third, students have the opportunity to optimize their skills and information technology that has been obtained during lectures to be practiced in social life.