New normal experiences of VSU-Isabel students living in the mountainous areas

Rodulfo T. Aunzo, Jr.; Gen Ann Biore; Ryza Jane Cubico; Bhea Mae Erederos; Jackelyn Latoy

doi:10.46223/HCMCOUJS.soci.en.15.1.2980.2025

15(1)2025

New normal experiences of VSU-Isabel students living in the mountainous areas

Author - Affiliation:

Rodulfo T. Aunzo, Jr. - Visayas State University-Isabel, Leyte

Gen Ann Biore - Visayas State University-Isabel, Leyte

Ryza Jane Cubico - Visayas State University-Isabel, Leyte

Bhea Mae Erederos - Visayas State University-Isabel, Leyte

Jackelyn Latoy - Visayas State University-Isabel, Leyte

Corresponding author: Rodulfo T. Aunzo, Jr. - rodulfo.aunzo@vsu.edu.ph

DOI:10.46223/HCMCOUJS.soci.en.15.1.2980.2025

Submitted: 28-09-2023
Accepted: 21-04-2024
Published: 08-08-2024

Abstract

Amid the widespread Covid-19 pandemic in the Philippines, the educational landscape has undergone a significant transformation. In response, national government officials and educational institutions nationwide implement lockdown measures, necessitating a shift in education provision. This leads to the adoption of online distance learning as the primary mode of instruction. However, this transition poses challenges, especially for students in remote mountainous regions dealing with issues like limited Internet connectivity and resource constraints, making module completion and online class participation daunting. This study delves into the experiences of students in these areas, exploring the challenges they face and the coping mechanisms employed. Using a qualitative and phenomenological research approach, the cohort includes 11 participants identified through snowball sampling. The collected data undergo rigorous analysis using Collaizi’s method, revealing multifaceted challenges such as poor Internet connectivity, financial constraints, adverse weather conditions, a lack of quality electronic devices, and comprehension difficulties with lessons and the VSU E-learning portal. Additionally, students describe the lengths they go to in search of Internet signals, involving activities like climbing trees or venturing to elevated terrains. Despite these challenges, students exhibit resilience, adopting strategic approaches to overcome difficulties and drawing valuable life lessons, ultimately internalizing that adversities are stepping stones to success and surrendering is not an option.

Keywords

challenges; coping mechanisms; experiences; meaning of experiences; mountainous areas

Full Text:

PDF

Cite this paper as:

Aunzo, Jr. R. T., Biore G. E., Cubico, R. J., Erederos, B. M., Latoy J. (2025). New normal experiences of VSU-Isabel students living in the mountainous areas. Ho Chi Minh City Open University Journal of Science – Social Sciences, 15(1), 32-50. https://doi.org/10.46223/HCMCOUJS.soci.en.15.1.2980.2025

References

Alviora, M. C. (2021). Universal health care and the Covid-19 pandemic: Strengthening health systems in the Philippines. Philippine Journal of Health Research, 10(1), 34-45.

Baticulon, R. E., Sy, J. J., Alberto, N. R. I., Go, M. A., Mendoza, R. M., & Alampay, D. A. (2021). Barriers to online learning in the time of Covid-19: A national survey of medical students in the Philippines. Medical Science Education, 31(3), 615-626. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40670-021-01231-z

Benson, A. (2002). Using online learning to meet the needs of nontraditional students. New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education, 2002(91), 47-52.

Bloom, B. S. (1984). The 2 sigma problem: The search for methods of group instruction as effective as one-to-one tutoring. Educational Researcher, 13(6), 4-16.

Brown, L., & Jones, P. (2018). Integrating technology in education: Challenges and opportunities. International Journal of Educational Research, 87, 34-48.

Cohen, S., & Wills, T. A. (1985). Stress, social support, and the buffering hypothesis. Psychological Bulletin, 98(2), 310-357.

Conrad, D. (2002). Deep in the hearts of learners: Insights into the nature of online community. Journal of Distance Education, 17(1), 1-19.

Creswell, J. W. (2007). Qualitative inquiry & research design: Choosing among five approaches (2nd ed.). SAGE Publications.

Dhawan, S. (2020). Online learning: A panacea in the time of Covid-19 crisis. Journal of Educational Technology Systems, 49(1), 5-22. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F0047239520934018

Dvalishvili, D. (2020). The psychological impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on students. International Journal of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, 10(2), 87-95.

Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House.

Echazarra, A., & Radinger, T. (2019). The condition of education 2017 (NCES 2017-144). https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2017/2017144.pdf

Eom, S. B., Wen, H. J., & Ashill, N. (2016). The determinants of students’ perceived learning outcomes and satisfaction in university online education: An update. Decision Sciences Journal of Innovative Education, 4(2), 185-215.

Erihovna, G. S. (2016). The role of online learning in modern education. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 13, 1-14.

Fredrickson, B. L. (2001). The role of positive emotions in positive psychology: The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions. American Psychologist, 56(3), 218-226.

Garcia, R., & Smith, T. (2020). Economic challenges in online learning: A Philippine perspective. Journal of Distance Education, 35(2), 65-79.

Gunawardena, C. N., & McIsaac, M. S. (2013). Distance education. In M. G. Moore (Ed.), Handbook of distance education (pp. 21-36). Routledge.

Hetsevich, I. (2017). Advantages and disadvantages of e-learning technologies to students. https://www.joomlms.com/blog/guest-posts/elearning-advantages-disadvantages.html

House, J. S. (1981). Work stress and social support. https://www.amazon.com/Work-Stress-Social-Support-House/dp/0201050887

Hsieh, H. C., Hsieh, Y. C., & Chang, K. E. (2017). The impact of digital game-based learning on students’ learning achievement and motivation. Educational Technology & Society, 20(2), 26-37.

Inquirer. (2021). UPLB Study shows Filipino students’ struggle amid shift to online classes. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1457307/uplb-study-shows-filipino-students-struggle-amid-shift-to-online-learning

Iqbal, S., Arshad, H. M., & Naseem, M. (2021). The digital divide and online learning during Covid-19: A study of the socioeconomic impacts. Journal of Educational Research, 24(2), 89-104.

Johnson, A. (2019). Enhancing research depth through academic diversity: Strategies and considerations. Educational Research Review, 25(2), 143-158.

Johnson, D. R., & Kuh, G. D. (2007). Student success in college: Creating conditions that matter. Jossey-Bass.

Johnson, E., McKoy, D., Searle, R., & Hinnant-Crawford, B. (2021). Contextualized interventions for remote learning: A framework for equitable education. Educational Policy Analysis Archives, 29(20), 1-18.

Jones, C., & Czerniewicz, L. (2010). Describing or debunking? The net generation and digital natives. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 26(5), 317-329.

Justice, K. M., & Zhu, C. (2015). Computer competencies among academic staff and students about the use of blended learning: The case of mountains of the Moon University in Western Uganda. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/286932898_Computer_competences_ among_academic_staff_and_students_in_relation_to_the_use_of_blended_learning_The_case_of_Mountains_of_the_Moon_University_in_Western_Uganda

Kawachi, I., & Berkman, L. F. (2001). Social ties and mental health. In Social epidemiology (pp. 137-174). Oxford University Press.

Khan, M. A. (2021). Use of e-learning tools to overcome the challenges of Covid-19. Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange, 14(1), 12-19.

Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (2002). Building a practically useful theory of goal setting and task motivation: A 35-year odyssey. American Psychologist, 57(9), 705-717.

Lopez, E. (2021). Scaling roofs and mountains, Philippine Students battle to take online classes. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-philippines-education-widerimage-idUSKBN29B31C

Magsambol, B. (2020). During the pandemic, students climb a mountain to meet class requirements. https://www.rappler.com/nation/student-climbs-mountain-send-class-requirement-coronavirus-pandemic

McFarland, J., Hussar, B., Zhang, J., Wang, X., Wang, K., Hein, S., & Mann, F. B. (2017). The condition of education 2017 (NCES 2017-144). https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2017/2017144.pdf

Moore, J. L., Dickson-Deane, C., & Galyen, K. (2010). e-learning, online learning, and distance learning environments: Are they the same? The Internet and Higher Education, 14(2), 129-135.

Nadiahan, A., & Cabauatan, A. (2021). Bridging the digital divide in remote education during Covid-19: Challenges and strategies. Journal of Educational Technology Systems, 50(2), 211-233.

Pubrica. (2018). Importance of ethics in research. https://pubrica.com/academy/publication-ethics/role-of-ethics-in-research/#:~=It%20is%20essential%20for%20a,their%20mentors% 2C%20guides%20and%20peers

Rajan, R. (2019). The state of rural education in developing countries: An overview. Journal of Education Policy and Leadership, 15(3), 213-231.

Republic of Kenya. (2010). Sessional paper No. 14 of 2012 on education and training. Government Printer.

Rotas, E. E., & Chapay, N. (2020). Challenges and coping mechanisms of students in online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic: A national survey. Journal of Education and Learning, 10(1), 54-67.

Scheier, M. F., & Carver, C. S. (1993). On the power of positive thinking: The benefits of being optimistic. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 2(1), 26-30.

Seligman, M. E. P., & Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2000). Positive psychology: An introduction. American Psychologist, 55(1), 5-14.

Selwyn, N. (2011). Education and technology: Key issues and debates. Bloomsbury Publishing.

Smith, J. (2017). Enhancing computer literacy in education. Journal of Educational Technology, 45(2), 78-92.

Smith, J. (2020). Conducting diverse research: Strategies for maximizing geographic representation. Research Journal, 45(3), 321-335.

Smith, J. K., Brown, L. M., & Williams, R. C. (2020). The role of digital technology in modern education. Journal of Educational Technology, 43(2), 87-102. https://doi.org/10.1080/20420862.2020.1711294

Smith, J., & Rodriguez, M. (2020). Advancing equity and inclusion in online learning: A qualitative exploration of promising practices. Journal of Online Learning Research, 6(3), 259-281.

Smith, J., Brown, A., & Jones, M. (2020). The impact of Internet usage on student learning: A comprehensive study. Journal of Educational Technology, 45(3), 123-139.

Stern, B. S. (n.d.). A comparison of online and face-to-face instruction in an undergraduate foundation of American education course. Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education, 4(2), Article 4.

Trochim, W. M. K. (2005). Research methods: The concise knowledge base. Atomic Dog Publishing.

Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Harvard University Press.

Wang, H., & Chan, A. (2019). The digital divide and educational equity: A look at students with very limited access to digital technologies. Education Policy Analysis Archives, 27(87), 1-20.

Yang, Y., & Cornelius, L. F. (2004). Students’ perceptions towards the quality of online education: A qualitative approach. In Association for educational communications and technology, 27th annual proceedings (pp. 841-846).

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46223/HCMCOUJS.soci.en.15.1.2980.2025