Learners’ dilemma

Unstable internet connectivity

One of the most recurring difficulties experienced by learners in distance learning is unstable internet connectivity. Most of the time, this problem is caused by geographic location. Grade 10 learner Jewel Acuna said, “Finding a reliable internet connection is difficult for me because I reside in Antipolo. Keeping up with Google meetings and messenger group chats is challenging. Other times, the weather makes things worse. Sometimes it takes me up to an hour to open my Google Classroom. I occasionally climb our rooftop to turn in my performance tasks.”

Inadequate learning resources

The insufficiency of learning tools is another issue that learners often mention. Most learners just use phones; therefore, they require extra gadgets. “In order to study and properly complete my requirements, I would need a laptop,” said Grade 10 learner Mikaela Mia Miranda. Other learners struggle with the little storage that their current technology provides. “Due to apps like Google Meet, there is not enough memory on my phone,” Grade 7 learner Maria Ysabelle Kim remarked.

Vague learning contents

The learners also admitted that one challenge they have with distance learning is the vagueness of the lesson contents. “Despite our best efforts, we are still unable to absorb the lesson from the Google Meet,” said Grade 8 learner Carl Zaldy Castro. Additionally, the learners struggle with the instructions written in the modules. “The module is difficult for me to understand, and some of the directions are unclear to me,” added Castro.

Overloaded lesson activities

The learners further revealed that they struggle with distance learning because there are too many activities in the lessons. Grade 10 learner Kate Velasco said, “Every week, there are a ton of submissions between one and three activities per subject. The daily and weekly activities differ from one another.” Sometimes the learning value of the lesson is lost due to this issue. “Since there were so many exercises, I simply completed the activities in the modules without paying any attention to the lesson,” Velasco added.

Limited teacher scaffolds

Moreover, the learners mentioned that they only receive learning support from some of their teachers. Some teachers, in their opinion, could not be approached. “When we have confusion, there are those teachers who seem to be impossible to approach. Our teacher is unavailable, so we submitted the wrong answer or format,” said Grade 10 learner Desa Denise Jarlego.

Poor peer communication

Furthermore, the learners experience issues with distance learning in terms of interacting with their classmates. This problem arises more frequently in group activities. Grade 7 learner Francheska Vildad mentioned, “I find it challenging when my classmates don’t cooperate well in group activities.” Other learners are reluctant to ask their classmates questions. “Since I am aware of everyone in my class, I have no need to ask them. They also have trouble,” she added.

Conflict with home responsibilities

While comfort may be found at home, learners have expressed difficulty juggling family obligations with distance learning. It keeps their schedules apart. “At home, I am also in charge of the household chores. The implication is not that we spend all our time at home,” Grade 10 learner Ged Moises Garcia remarked. Family obligations interfere with their concentration. “I cannot devote my complete attention to studies since I still have obligations at home,” Garcia said.

Poor learning environment

The learners likewise expressed difficulties with distance learning when it comes to their learning environment. They do not find their homes a conducive place to study. Grade 8 learner Ma. Kharol Ydith Tocoyo said, “At home, there is no suitable location for studying. I find it difficult to concentrate.”

Financial related problems

The learners further struggle with distance learning in terms of its financial demands. It requires internet expenses. “I need to use the internet for the online class, but I don’t have the necessary financial assistance,” said Grade 9 learner Arnie Justine Anota.

Compromised physical health

Moreover, the learners feel as though their physical health is being sacrificed because of the problems, they face with distance learning. As a result of using the devices, they complain of headaches and eye strain. “I stare at my phone all day and even till midnight to complete the assignment, which strains my eyes and gives me headaches,” said Grade 9 learner Russel Anne Loveria. They also complained about not having enough time to rest. “I lose sleep since the 4G signal typically appears around midnight. I may download and submit my work,” she added.

Mental health struggles

Lastly, the learners experience mental struggles caused by the requirements of distance learning. Sometimes they overthink things and end up feeling sick. Grade 7 learner Janelle Ong said, “I feel sick thinking about the challenging lessons, hectic schedules, and sluggish internet with no one to chat with.” Other times, they consider making a concession. “I occasionally struggle with lack of motivation and attention, and I entertain the thought of quitting,” added Ong.