Correlation between the Characteristics of Extension Workers and the Level of Learning Independence Through E-Learning

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to describe the individual characteristics of extension workers related to their independence in learning through e-learning, to describe the extension workers’ level of independence in learning through e-learning, and to analyze the relationship between the extension workers’ individual characteristics and the level of learning independence in learning through e-learning. The study was conducted in Cianjur and Bogor Districts, Indonesia, and in the learning area of the Open University of Indonesia in 2019. Respondents were 96 extension workers who were studying at the Open University of Indonesia in 2019 through census techniques, and 160 extension workers in Bogor and Cianjur Districts who were selected using cluster random sampling.  Data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially using the Spearman rank correlation test.   The results showed that extension workers are generally adults, their average education level was equivalent to high school to graduate education, their work experience as an extension worker was in the high category, and they had strong learning motivation  The extension workers’ learning independence characteristics were generally good.  Their age had a significant correlation with the initiative level and learning creativity levels; the education level had a very significant correlation with learning initiative and creativity levels and a significant correlation with the self-self-confidence level, and the learning motivation level had a very significant correlation with the learning initiative and creativity levels and a significant correlation with the critical thinking level.