Student Perceptions Analysis of Online Learning: A Machine Learning Approach

Abstract

The covid-19 pandemic is currently occurring affects almost all aspects of life, including education. School From Home (SFH) is one of the ways to prevent the spread of Covid-19. The face-to-face learning method in class turns into online learning using information technology facilities. Even though there are many barriers to implementing classes online, online learning provides a new perspective for students' learning process. One of the factors for the online learning process's success is the interaction between the two main actors in the learning process, i.e., lecturers and students. The study's purpose was to analyze students' perceptions of the online learning process. The research data were obtained from a student questionnaire, which included five main criteria in the learning process: 1) self-management aspects, 2) personal efforts, 3) technology utilization, 4) perceptions of self-roles, and 5) perceptions of the role of the lecturer. Students provide an assessment through a questionnaire about the online learning methods they experience during the Covid-19 pandemic. The random forest algorithm was applied to examine data. The study results were focused on three main criteria (variable importance) that affect students' perceptions of the online learning process. The results described that the students' satisfaction in online learning is influenced by 1) The relationship between students and lecturers. 2) The learning materials need to be changed and adapted to the online learning method; 3) The use of technology to access online learning. The study contributes to improving the online learning method for the student.