Digital Transformation of Training Implementation in a Pandemic Period, Is it Effective?

It has been more than a year that the Indonesian people have faced a pandemic, since the President announced 2 people who were exposed to Covid-19 on March 3, 2020. This condition requires us to get used to doing various activities without having too much direct contact with other people. Commonly known as physical distancing (maintaining physical distance from other people). This is because physical distancing is one of the most effective ways to
suppress the spread of the Corona virus which is currently endemic.

The implementation of physical distancing causes various face-to-face agendas to not be carried out because it is feared that there will be crowds. Including organizing training that can invite crowds. Like it or not, the training must be adjusted to current conditions. One way that can be selected and quite effective is conducting training methods Distance Learning (Distance Learning). Distance Learning allows participants and teachers to take part in the training from their respective places.

The distance learning method requires optimizing the use of information and communication technology to achieve the expected training objectives. In other words, the implementation of training is required to transform digitally. Learning which is usually carried out face-to-face in the classroom, now has to be done virtually using the Video Conference application. Teaching materials which are usually distributed in print, must be distributed in the form of softcopy or multimedia online through the Learning Management System platform . Likewise with other activities, such as the registration process and filling out the attendance list, all must be carried out online .

Is this digital transformation process effective? Let's study together.

Of course, at the beginning of the implementation of distance learning, many obstacles were encountered, especially technical constraints such as limited devices and internet networks. The next obstacle is the adjustment of the concept of face-to-face learning to distance learning . The APUPPT Education and Training Center at that time had to conduct many studies and benchmarks with other training providers and experts to strengthen the adjustment of this learning concept. Gradually we continue to make improvements, both in terms of technical support and the concept of learning through an evaluation process that has been continuously carried out until now.

It was recorded that of the 30 training programs held in 2020, 23 batches of them were carried out using the distance learning method. The total number of participants who took part in the training in 2020 was 928 people, much more compared to the previous year (2019) which only amounted to 740 people. Based on the evaluation data of the Program and Evaluation Field of the APUPPT Education and Training Center, it can be seen that the index value of the satisfaction level of training participants during the pandemic is 4.26 (scale 1 – 5) which means it is still very good, not much different from the training in the previous year. Managers still try to provide the best service even by applying the distance learning method.

However, the level of understanding of the participants as measured through the post test results showed that there was a decrease from the previous year. In 2019 the average level of understanding of participants was in the "Very Good" criteria. In 2020 the level of understanding of participants is in the "Good" criteria with an index level of 3.63. This is of course inseparable from the obstacles faced by both the organizers and the trainees during the learning process.

The obstacles that are often encountered by participants when participating in training using the distance learning method include the following:

1. Participants were less focused when participating in the training because they had to be followed from home or from their respective offices. If participants take part from home, they are often disturbed by family activities at home, but if participants take part in training from the office they are also asked to do their office work.
2. Constrained by technical problems either due to the device / device or internet network.
3. There were still some participants who were not familiar with distance learning patterns.
4. In practical materials, participants find it difficult to follow the demonstration delivered by the teacher;
5. Physical fatigue from being in front for too long

Obstacles also arise from the training organizers, such as: technical problems; the lack of learning interactivity because it still needs adjustment of learning patterns; and difficulties in controlling and ensuring that participants participate in every series of training activities.

Behind the obstacles faced, there are several advantages that can be obtained while implementing this distance learning learning method. Are as follows:

1. Not constrained by space and time;
2. Save budgets such as service costs while at the APUPPT Education and Training Center and transportation costs for participants and training instructors;
3. Can reach participants more broadly wherever they are;
4. Provide convenience for training participants because they can access teaching materials anywhere and anytime.

On the one hand, the compulsion to immediately digitize the training process encourages us to continue to innovate better and faster. Especially in overcoming the various obstacles faced. However, the digitalization process cannot completely replace the role of face-to-face learning in the classroom. Specific materials still require intensive interactivity between instructors and trainees. Digital transformation in the field of training should be able to support the learning process, both face-to-face and distance learning .

We all certainly hope that this pandemic will end soon, so that we can return to training both face-to-face and distance learning with better conditions. May we all always be in the protection of Allah SWT, the Almighty God. Amen.