Students' online learning experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

When the COVID-19 virus started to spread all over most countries, including the Philippines, educational institutions were forced to switch from traditional learning set up to distance learning. The unplanned shift in the educational system has posed an extraordinary challenge and impacted the education sector. When online class was adopted in the Philippines to continue the education process, teaching and learning took place using electronic technologies that are relatively new to the teaching-learning community. This investigation focused on college students' experiences in online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. This qualitative study was conducted using the phenomenology method. The seven participants were purposively selected to be interviewed via platforms such as Google Meet, Messenger, or Zoom. The researchers emailed them with informed consent first to assure the participants of their rights and privacy. The interview was video- and audio-recorded with the participants' permission for documentation reasons. The data were collected and transcribed verbatim, and the compiled responses were thematically analyzed. The data analysis results reveal three interesting themes: the students' experiences, challenges, and coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the participant’s comments on their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, it concludes that online learning has affected college

students emotionally, physically, and financially, especially in their mental health and the lack of resources for continuing their education. Finally, implications were indicated about promoting mental health awareness and understanding the students' situation in online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.