HomeUniversitasvol. 9 no. 2 (2021)

IMPRESSIONS, PREPARATIONS AND CHALLENGES OF COLLEGE STUDENTS IN ONLINE CLASSES DURING THE COVID 19 ECQ

Gerry Duwin A. Dela Zerna

 

Abstract:

The adoption of online classes is a welcome change from the conventional face-to-face instruction. The primary purpose of the study is to explore the impressions of college students on online classes during the ECQ, how these communicated, specific activities are accomplished, preparation, challenges encountered, resolutions adopted, and insights gained. The study is qualitative where 24 education students from a local university, 79% of whom are female and 21% are male with a mean age of 22, are purposively selected based on their engagement in online classes during the end semester of AY 2019-2020. Key informants were interviewed via messenger narratives of which were coded, interpreted and analyzed thematically. Findings revealed that cellphone (53%) is used in the conduct of online classes via prepaid internet connections (58%) in home setting. The online classes are properly communicated to students by their respective professors, activities of which revolved around tasks, term requirements and assessment. Students’ preparedness and challenges point to technology access, usage and budget. Strategies adopted to resolve challenges supported their tasks, assignments and requirements. The online engagement drew insights that education is possible through virtual means and that learning is collaborative.