Utilizing Skype for Providing Learning Support for Indonesian Distance Learning Students: A Lesson Learnt

For the last ten years, information and communication technology (ICT) development has changed the face of distance learning. Internet enables computer-mediated communication (CMC) in terms of synchronous or asynchronous methods to be applied in the teaching - learning process. Consequently, distance learning teachers and students are able to form more direct relationships in a virtual world. The purpose of this article is to share a lesson learnt about utilizing Skype for providing learning sup port for distance learning students. The students were Indonesian domestic helpers in Hong Kong who registered Writing 1 course i n the first semester of 2011. They belonged to English Language and Literature Department, Universitas Terbuka, Indonesia. The practice of utilizing Skype was basically a supplementary extension course to a blended learning method of face -to-face and asynchronous online tutorial. Student participation in both face-to-face and online tutorial was compulsory. However, participating in tutorial by Skype was elective. To investigate the students’ readiness of utilizing the Internet in general and Skype in specific, a simple questionnaire was administered to the students (N=42). The analysis of data showed very interesting results. Students were mostly computer literate and able to access Internet from personal laptops or mobile phones at any time. However, accessing the Internet was hampered by unlimited working hours during the weekdays. Generally, the students were positive about the Skype utilization. It also suggested that it was necessary to have more trainings or seminars about distance learning and ICT for education purpose.