Barriers to Online Learning amidst Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the online learning barriers of the students at Eastern Visayas State University- Ormoc City Campus during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, it examines the difference between student’s capacities for online learning, student’s online learning barriers, and some of the student’s demographic and technological characteristics. A cross-sectional study was used for a sample of 401 students. The instrument was a questionnaire containing demographics, access to technical services, study patterns, current living conditions, and views on online learning. Results found that of the 401students, 373 (93 %) possessed a smartphone, and 311 (78 %) had mobile data to access online services. Under present conditions, only 243 students (61%) found themselves physically and mentally capable of engaging in online learning. The barriers were categorized as: personal, technical, institutional, and community barriers. The most commonly experienced difficulties were: the need to perform responsibility at home, the adaptation of learning styles, and limited space conducive for studying. There was no statistically significant difference in the students' perceived capacity for online learning by demographic and technological characteristics, but there was a statistically significant difference in online learning barriers among respondents by age, gender, and year level. Freshmen younger female students were seriously affected. There were common issues with the students in the unstable internet access. Students have encountered a variety of interrelated obstacles as they have sought to adapt to online learning. Schools and educators play a role in incorporating student-centered approaches, a role in overcoming these issues during and after the COVID-19 pandemic