Experiences and Challenges of Graduates in Open Distance Learning at Ifugao State University, Philippines

Abstract

Open Distance Education (ODE) in the Philippines was institutionalized through Republic Act Number 10650. Ifugao State University started offering distance education in the graduate programs in 2006. The study focused to determine the experiences and challenges of the graduates of the university’s ODE program, and how they hurdled the challenges they encountered as students. The phenomenological method was applied with an unstructured interview guide as a way of gathering data. Follow up questions were asked through online communication among the participants until data saturation. There were 11 graduates coming from Africa, Lao PDR, Ireland, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand, United States of America and Vietnam who participated in the study. Data gathered were analyzed and interpreted. Results disclosed that the graduates experienced a very well-designed, learner-centered, research-based, and relevant curricular programs; the instructional delivery mode was innovative, learner-oriented, technology based, and flexible; there was evident cooperation, collaboration and complementation between IFSU and its partners; the professors were excellent, experienced and competent. The challenges encountered by the students were timeframe, research works, deadline, overlapping of schedules and internet problems. These constraints were managed through hard work, planning, dedication and motivation.