Prepping the New Normal: The Readiness of Higher Education Institution in Cordillera on a Flexible Learning

Abstract

The emergence of COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented disruptions in the education sector. For higher education institutions, avoiding and limiting the risks of infection of the academic community has become a primordial concern. Thus, it has become an urgent need to explore innovative learning modalities that will facilitate migration from traditional to flexible teaching and learning options. The paradigm shift therefore in the teaching and learning process in the higher education institutions in Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) necessitates assessment on the readiness of colleges and universities in the Cordillera as part of this transformation towards new normal. Descriptive research was employed in this study that systematically described the situations of the various Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) of CAR. Online survey was conducted among 28 participating schools in the region. Basic statistical tool like frequency count, weighted mean, averaging and percentages were used to analyze the gathered data. Findings show that, adjusting to the new normal, 25 or 89.3% of the participating HEIs answered that they have been utilizing flexible learning system (FLS) and 16 (57.1%) mentioned that FLS is covered in their institutional policies. Infrastructure to support the delivery of FLS is present among majority of the HEIs. 24 institutions have the capability to develop instructional materials. Faculty and students were also evaluated on their readiness towards the transformation to the new normal and it was revealed that there are challenges that both faculty and students must consider in the adaptation of online distance learning or flexible learning. With the results of the study, school readiness is a big factor in making a decision in shifting from face to face to flexible learning system or online distance learning to achieve quality education. HEIs should therefore develop their own framework, continuity plan or game plan and creation of consortium among HEIs in the region for continuous learning anchored on the existing tools and resources of the institution, capability of staff and faculty members, and capacity of students. Regardless of the modalities of teaching, schools must always aim for the best education that they could give to all students. Equal and quality education must be shared among students amidst this pandemic.