Learning Competencies, Experiences and Problems Encountered in the Implementation of Graduate Programs of Visayas State University during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic caused an unprecedented ongoing global problem which affect different people in different ways. The study was conducted to know the effects of this world wide pandemic to graduate students in VSU and to look into the problems they encountered as well as the various coping mechanisms especially in dealing with the virtual delivery of instructions. This will provide vital information for institutional planning in the implementation of graduate programs in the university during the Covid-19 pandemic. This study was conducted through online survey involving 200 graduate students as part of the graduate tracer studies of the university. Majority of the problems identified include the following: no stable internet connectivity; inaccessibility of laboratory facilities because of restrictions to enter the university campus; difficulty in conducting thesis analysis; unable to meet the deadlines in submitting required printed copy of reports because of long delayed shipment; inaccessibility of books in the library necessary for the preparation and discussion of thesis; laboratory exercises were difficult to accomplished due to inaccessibility to laboratory equipment and facilities and difficulty in understanding some complex lessons with virtual study delivery. In addition, they also emphasized that online mode of learning is more stressful that causes anxiety and mental illness. The online discussions were quite difficult and laboratory principles could not be well understood because of no actual practical laboratory activities in technical courses; so many distractions and noises in students' surroundings with the virtual mode of teaching delivery; hard time searching for resources and lots of requirements and activities to comply. The respondent likewise gave some suggestions to improve the online delivery of instructions. These include the provision of recorded class discussions, longer hours in taking online exams, transparency of grading system and healthy environment between the teacher and students.