Abstract:
Due to the on-going pandemic caused by COVID-19, many changes occurred and continue to happen, implementing the restriction of the movement of people, which led to an immense transition of various aspects in life including the educational system, going from traditional face-to-face learning to the implementation and adaptation of flexible learning. Thus, this research aimed to describe the lived experiences of Benguet State University College of Nursing students on flexible learning.
The study utilized a descriptive phenomenological research design. With the use of a purposeful sampling method, 16 participants voluntarily participated in the College of Nursing. An informal interview, via online video call using google meet platform were conducted in obtaining accurate data from the participants that were chosen. After answering the initial unstructured questions, objective or structured questions followed. The results of the study were analyzed using Colaizzi's (1987) method.
From the study, students' perceptions findings show that the students had a hard time adjusting and adapting in flexible learning, leading them to be less motivated in learning. The problems mainly encountered by the students are on the technical aspect where they have an unstable internet connection, lack of gadgets to be used such as phones, laptops, and computers, the increased academic workload and the unfollowed academic schedule, and poor personal connection with their instructors and classmates. With the prominent problems that they encountered, some lessons were also revealed in the study, most of them revealed that they learned how to manage their time, and how to work independently. They also learned how to give better care for themselves, in terms of emotional and mental care.
Overall, the students showed positive attitudes towards flexible learning despite the problems that they have encountered, considering the short period of time in which the school had to adapt to the new mode of learning. Most of them have commendably managed to adapt and adjust with the problems. Their ability to adapt and adjust to the new mode of learning which is the flexible learning proves how the students are open and not afraid to take changes and challenges even with uncertainty, newness, and unfamiliarity of the situation they were put into.
