A Phenomenological Study of the Lived Experiences of Graduate Students Adapting Flexible Learning Modality Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The Lived Experiences of Graduate Students Adapting Flexible Learning Modality due to COVID-19 Pandemic was examined in this study. It tackles how the graduate students can cope with the many challenges the new normal of our educational system could offer. Using a qualitative, phenomenological research framework, this study uses in-depth individual interviews to collect data. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed. To further explore the perception of the participants in taking PhD class despite of flexible learning, there are four questions to get the reactions, like: The aspects of an online course that they are worried about or thought would be beneficial. Advantage and disadvantage of online course. Comparison of graduate students’ experiences in flexible learning modality to normal classes. Experience with the online technologies that they utilized. With that questions as a guide, themes, sub themes and significant statement were identified. They think that flexible modality does not affect or hinder learning for their professional advancement and growth. They took advantage of the online class, not to travel to school anymore. Worry on the first meeting because they could not easily join the Google meet. Enjoyable but Brain draining. Compared to normal classes they said: Convenient because it lessens the fare for transportation, more time at home, can attend the class even without taking a bath, save expenses for food and fare. Inconvenient in the sense that they could not cope with the discussion because of poor internet connectivity.  As to the delivery of knowledge, they are the same. The online technologies quantify their eagerness to learn new and advance technology Recommendations for online instructors to support students about the flexible learning modality. There should be provision for modules, videos and other links. Be lenient and understanding of the submission of requirements because of limited time and poor connectivity. Minimize the activities.