Challenges and Opportunities of Online Learning among Students of Central Mindanao University Philippines during COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected how online learning is delivered and has become a serious worldwide health concern. This study sought to determine the opportunities and challenges of online learning faced by the undergraduate students of Central Mindanao University during the pandemic. To address this problem, a mixed research approach was used, combining a qualitative (narrative) and a quantitative non-experimental descriptive approach. The study found that the CMU students' opportunities for online learning are enhanced technical skills; avail learning resources from anywhere in the world, developed self-discipline, improved virtual classroom interaction, flexibility and time management, reduced educational cost, drive for self-motivation and lenient quality education were deemed to be beneficial. Online learning strengthened the students to analyze the subject matters thoroughly while responding in writing instead of discussing and freely picking and choosing from diverse learning approaches. However, its weaknesses are the critical communication gap between students and teachers, lack of focus, lack of social support, unhealthy online learning environment, lack of social support, technological constraints, and lack of time management. The challenges of online learning are slow and no internet connection, self-discipline, unhealthy online learning environment, fewer interactions with teachers and classmates, heavy workloads, dealing with subjects with laboratories, resistance to online learning, mental health, emotional and psychological anxieties, depression and financial constraints are found to be the challenges and barriers in online learning.