DEVCOMM| Flexible Learning; Students' Situations and Challenges

DEVCOMM| Flexible Learning; Students' Situations and Challenges

by: Micah Theresa C. Pidlaoan

Before 2019-2020, the school year ended, the disruption of the covid-19 pandemic affected the last few weeks of classes and put them into the online realm.

A literally "life-changing" is what this covid-19 pandemic has given us. Students and most significant challenge in terms of online classes were linked to their learning environment at home.

This Covid-19 pandemic had much impact on students' learning experience, which created a massive disruption of the educational systems.

Over 1.2 billion children are out of the classroom. Schools closed temporarily, and schools started preparing learning systems and established new teaching protocols. Online learning uses relevant technological devices, the Internet, and teaching tools such as modules.

Student Experiences in an Online Learning Environment

It includes students' home learning self-regulation, virtual learning environment, and students' overall learning experience. The new standard in terms of education is a significant impact on students.

Online learning is the best option to continue education. Still, the challenges of higher education students vary in terms of type and extent. They are facing the challenges of unexpectedly switching to online classes due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Students felt at least somewhat prepared for the change and to expressed concerns about being able to focus and maintaining the self-discipline needed to study remotely.

Switching from the traditional classroom to a virtual classroom makes the learning experience entirely different for students.

Common E-Learning Challenges:

• Internet connection

• Technological devices

• Distractions and time management

• Lack of in-person interaction

• Visual learning

• Lack of Motivation

Impact of the Pandemic on Students

Students have been struggling to adapt and cope with the order of online learning. This pandemic also made it difficult for financially struggling families.

Most of the students were shocked and could not fully adjust to the sudden transition from face-to-face to pure online learning. Most students say that skills acquired virtually might not be enough and must be balanced with real-life applications.

This pandemic lockdown impacts students' learning capabilities and performance and causes disruptions in students' learning experience.

Poor internet connection, home learning environment, finances, interaction, mobility, etc., are some challenges students face during their online classes.

Still, one of the massive impacts of this pandemic on students' is their mental health. These include anxiety, stress, and depression among students.

The pressure that students experience comes from social and physical restrictions, unfamiliarity in delivering online learning, limitations in mobility, technical issues, and concerns about financial resources.

Teaching and learning quality and students' mental health were the most affected. The imposition of this pandemic lockdown restricted students' learning experience.

Situations of students in an online class

A phone/laptop, a pen, and modules are on the table. Google classrooms are replacing school classrooms, from lectures to recorded lectures and classes to a camera lens.

A whole academic year came to pass with distance learning as a solution to continuous education. Students are faced with challenges to cope up with the demand of e-learning.

Every student has different situations in dealing in an online class. Some are privileged, and some students are less fortunate. With the right technology and access to e-learning, students are being able to learn faster online.

Without proper environmental background or limited learning space at home, students can easily distract.

The Students

1. The Acads is Life

Getting up at 7:00 a.m., classes beginning at 7:30 a.m., watching recorded lectures/attending lectures, reviewing, scanning modules, a short break, reading books, classes ending at 5:00 p.m., and sleeping between 2:00 and 3:00 a.m.

Philip Dane Magsanoc, a 3rd-year Nursing student of PHINMA - UPang

This is the routine of Philip Dane Magsanoc, a 3rd-year nursing student. “Iba talaga ang environment sa bahay at iba rin sa school. May iba’t-iba rin tayong style ng pag aadopt ng learning" he stated.

For Magsanoc, time scheduling is essential. There's allotted time for studies like watching lectures, answering modules, and a time to rest/short break. As a nursing student, it is not just about the knowledge aspect but more about skills.

2. The Space Seeker

Richard Gee Mariano, a 3rd year Civil Engineering student of PHINMA - UPang

"My current situation is that I am having difficulties learning online. Although I have all the things I need, that's not always the case. Since our place isn't that big, I struggle to find a peaceful place to study my lessons." Richard Gee Mariano stated a 3rd-year civil engineering student.

One thing that makes online classes difficult for him is having a slow internet connection. He was only able to study at night and finish his works in the morning.

3. The Data and Gadget Spotter

Dhinessa Mae Tagulao is a 3rd-year criminology student struggling with the poor internet connection, household chores, and lack of gadgets/devices in an online class.

Dhinessa Mae Tagulao, a 3rd-year Criminology student of PHINMA -UPang

"Sobrang daming disadvantages ng online class para saakin, unlike sa face to fafe class talagang nakafocus 'yong utak mo kasi ‘yong mga effective ways to communicate based on public speaking will be used. ‘yong gestures and eye contact ng prof is present.

While sa online class absent-minded ka and 'yong number one problem is the poor internet and the device I am using in an online class," she stated.

Is it effective?

Some students lack financial resources to access the Internet, online learning resources educational materials for online learning.

Adjustment under the new modes of learning is said that students don't learn as much. Learning face to face is way better and the best way to go. At some point, students are learning, but nothing can beat face-to-face learning.

Respond

As of May 2021, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) announced that flexible learning would be the new normal for tertiary-level students.

As of now, PHINMA-University of Pangasinan still doesn't announce when will the limited face-to-face be implemented. Students, teachers, and school administration are doing their part in this new normal system (Flexible and RAD learning). It is not easy for everyone, but all are doing their best to smoothly get through every semester/school year.

Despite this pandemic, we can see that everyone has dreams that they want to achieve. Everyone keeps on fighting and paddling for success. Flames, together with PHIN- MA-UPang and its motto #SasamahanKita will do their best that everybody is doing fine and No student is left behind.