Experiences and Challenges of College Students in Online and Distance Learning, Philippines

Using quantitative-qualitative research methods, this study tries to describe the college student experiences and preferences in online and distance learning in the different public and private state universities and colleges (SUCs) in Camarines Sur. Specifically, this study: (1) recorded and analyzed the experiences of high school and senior high school students on online and distance learning; (2) identifiedthe challenges they encountered; (3) determined their coping mechanism of students to deal with identified challenges; (4) described the initial support given by parents, and instructors to address these challenges; and (5) assessed the college students’ preferences on online and distance learning. The main respondents of the study were 1,225 college student learners of public and private SUCs in Camarines Sur using online learning system. Different schools were distributed to cater different responses from the varied scenarios as challenges experienced by students in online and distance learning. Online interview was also conducted to clarify some responses and validate some data for interpretation. Findings revealed that there are commonly varied of causes of poor attendance of college students in online classes. These are due to poor internet connectivity, disappointments/loss of motivation, instructor’s factor, due to difficulty in learning and due to other causes such as lack of financial support, household errands, geographical location and weather condition, unannounced blackout/power interruptions and poor mobile phone gadget/services. Some other causes are also true to the challenges on attendance and punctuality of students. Other challenges are lack of discipline/focus, difficulty in completion of modules, forgetfulness/poor time management. Meanwhile, another challenge in online and distance learning is how do students acquire knowledge and skills. Among other challenges are poor assessment, emotional state, disappointment and lack of focus, negative attitudes towards online and distance learning and the need for instructors’ input. In order to cope with these challenges this study, this study analyzed how students coped along digital divide, data limit, poor connectivity, leaners’ inefficiency. For digital divide among their strategies are extending support to disadvantaged students. As to data limit, student learned to sustain resources by finding an extra job, saving/thrifting allowances, managing usage of load, connecting wifi with family and friends or reconnecting to piso net, seeking financial help from family, outsourcing learning materials, and switching to internet providers. For those students with poor internet connectivity, some of their strategies are relocating, seeking help from others and informing excuses from instructors and managing time when strong signal is most available. Students woke up earlier or slept too late at night to avail of the internet. Learners’ inefficiency are described along indiscipline, unmotivated and worsening health issue due to prolonged exposure to radiation. Among their strategies are developing self-discipline, time management, motivating oneself, setting priorities, goal setting and engaging in some leisure activities to do some exercise or relaxation to distress.