Challenges Encountered during Pandemic in Flexible Learning Among College Students Living in Urban, Rural, and Suburban Areas in the Philippines

The study aims to identify and differentiate the challenges encountered by the college students living in urban, rural and suburban areas in one province in the Philippines. Quantitative descriptive type of research was utilized in the study with 367 college students from different academic institutions served as survey respondents. Result showed that those who are living in rural areas have significantly higher problem encountered in terms of loss of electricity and lack of people at home with adequate technical skills compared to those living in urban and suburban areas. Students from rural areas have encountered significantly higher challenges on resources and communication while students from suburban area expressed significantly higher challenges in terms of environment Meanwhile, moderate challenges on economic, instruction and learning outcomes are being experienced regardless of their location. Students are concerned on how learning outcomes can be fully achieved from flexible learning modality where laboratory extensive classes are notoffered during pandemic followed by their challenges in the delivery of instruction and communication with the teachers.

Keyword: educational management, flexible learning, learning environment, learning resources, student outcomes