Challenges of Information Technology Education Student’s Online Classes during the Covid-19 Pandemic in Selected Public Colleges and Universities in the Philippines

Abstract

Purpose-Many educational systems across the world have shifted to online learning methodology as a measure against Covid-19 Pandemic to continue educating students. This phenomenon is causing a lot of complications to the educational system around the world in the context of developing countries, especially to the public state colleges and universities. This paper aims to identify and describe the challenges of online learning from the perspective of Information Technology Education (ITE) students in the public state colleges and universities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method-It used descriptive research for the conducted of the study wherein survey questionnaires were sent out via electronic survey in different state colleges and universities in the Philippines. The evaluations were calculated using descriptive statistics and Chi-square and responses were compared between their profilesusing a nonparametric test. Results-The findings obtained the demographic profile of the ITE students with the degree of BS Information Technology, BS Computer Science, and BS Information System such courses, year level, and place they live. Additionally, the study gained a significant relationship between student profile in the device used in class, internet connectivity, student type of data connection, capability to attend online class, and their commitment to participate and submit class requirements. The study identifies different interrelated challenges such as the majority of the student only using smartphones in onlinelearning and poor internet connection as they tried to adapt to online learning because they are committed to participating and submitting requirements. Conclusion-The study gives insights into the current condition experienced by the students in the school administrations and officials, and faculty as well to strengthen the appropriate online teaching mode and other practices applicable to the students. It can also useto emphasize to be more responsive to the learning needs of the IT students, especially beyond the conventional classrooms.Recommendations-It is suggested that educational institutions must create appropriate and effective content, and provide digital literacy training to current faculty to improve learning outcomes. Lastly, a strong Information Communication Technology Office that focuses on the development of a different website and mobile application that assist the need of the students and faculty may be established.

The Role of New Information Technology in the Epidemic of COVID-19: A Systematic Review

“…Moreover, an essential issue in online learning is practicality. Laboratory studies cannot be done with distance learning [21]. Online learning may be ineffective because of 1) The too many and varied required media, 2) Unequal facilities for students, and 3) Lack of awareness among teachers, students, and parents about the use of technology [10,11].…”

Impact of COVID-19 and emotional states of Filipino university students

“…Due to the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic in the educational sectors, suggestions and recommendations about the improvement of the curriculum were given by several education practitioners and scholars [6], [22]- [24]. In particular, Balahadia [6] and Toquero [22] examined the possible practices that may be implemented to address the challenges encountered during the pandemic, specifically in higher education.…”

“…The impact of COVID-19 on the education system was carefully explored by several researchers who found various factors that affected teaching and learning amidst the pandemic [4]- [6]. The online modality that was implemented brought a negative impact on the learning of the students which caused a decrease in the quality of education they received [4].…”

Sentiment Analysis of Students’ Experiences during Online Learning in a State University in the Philippines

“…Issues include technical issues such as unstable or weak internet connectivity (Asio, Gadia, Abarintos, Paguio & Balce, 2021;Balahadia, 2022;Coman, Tiru, Masesan-Schmitz, Stancu & Bularca, 2020;Rotas & Cahapay, 2021), lack of availability of gadgets (e.g. smartphones, laptops) (Asio et al, 2021;Balahadia, 2022;Bazimaziki, 2020;Rana, 2021), limited collaborative learning opportunities (Bączek et al, 2021;Henderikx, Kreijinsm Munoz, & Kalz, 2019;Rotas & Cahapay, 2021;Yates, Starkey, Egerton, & Flueggen, 2020), low quality of instruction and misuse of technology, (Santiago et al, 2021;Valentine, 2002), low motivation in learning (Best, 2020;Henderikx et al, 2019), increased learning burdens (Niemi & Kousa, 2020, Yan et al, 2021, poor learning environment and struggles on mental health (Rotas & Cahapay, 2020), inefficiency and difficulty in maintaining academic integrity (Mukhtar, Javed, Arooj & Sethi, 2020); ineffective feedback and lack of study materials (Musingafi, 2015); students not being well prepared for e-learning use before the pandemic (Mailizar, Almanthari, Maulina & Bruc, 2020), lack of social interaction (Al-Maweeh, Kwayu, & Gharaibeh, 2021), teachers' lack of technical skills and their teaching style improperly adapted to the online environment (Coman et al, 2020); and, schools not prepared to implement online systems during pandemic (Alshwiah, 2021;Toquero, 2020). The lack of essential personal interactions is the most noticeable disadvantage of online learning, not only among colleagues but also between instructors and students (Islam, Beer, & Slack, 2015).…”

“…Students have to stay at home and press the button of remote or online learning using computers, laptops, smartphones, and online learning resources and tools in their academic coursework (Santiago, Ulanday, Centeno, Bayla & Callanta, 2021). As cited in Balahadia (2022), students' voices and opinions regarding online learning will give a clear picture of their experiences, be positive experiences, neutral or negative experiences during online class delivery. To gain insights and to understand the students' experiences, sentiment analysis will be involved or used in applying the automatic text analysis to extract their opinions.…”