Emerging Challenges from Flexible Learning Modalities during the COVID-19 Pandemic A Perspective from Philippine State University Students

This study was conducted to identifyemerging challenges confronted by the college studentsfrom a state university as they enfold the flexiblelearning modalities amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Itgenerated 151 responses from a 40-item surveydistributed online through google forms. Datareduction was then applied using exploratory factoranalysis. The rotated component matrix revealed thatthe college students encountered challenges as theywere introduced into the online and modular classeswhich include ambiguity of teaching and learningdirection, unfamiliarity to online and virtual learningplatforms, undependability of internet connections,inadequate financial and mobilization resources,technological gap, and the dearth of socio-academicsupport. If not addressed, the learning outcomes of thestudents may be compromised. Hence, it isrecommended to strengthen the strategies of the stateuniversity to further adapt to the demands of the newnormal.

Keywords: emerging challenges, flexiblelearning modalities, online and modular classes, stateuniversity, COVID-19 pandemic