Virtual and Onsite Learning: Benefits and Challenges Perceived by Private College Students

This research explored college students' perceptions regarding the benefits and challenges they experienced during the shift to virtual learning when COVID-19 affected the education system worldwide and their insights when it shifted back to the onsite platform. A qualitative research method was applied using phenomenological approach. Follow up interviews in-depth interviews were conducted to some of the participants. The participants comprised nineteen students from the St. Peter's College of Iligan City, selected through Purposive sampling. The data were collected through Google Forms, and responses were analyzed through tables, patterns, and themes. Findings reveal that having a flexible schedule ranked as the top benefit in virtual learning, while internet connection issues were the top challenge. In an onsite learning platform, physical interactions with classmates and teachers were the top responses, while time management and financial concerns were the significant challenges. Three themes emerged in this study. The first theme found was the "Benefits and challenges in life's situations," signifying that there will always be benefits and challenges in every new situation from which people can learn. The second is the "Significance of time," which was considered important among working students in this research. The last theme is the “Value of adaptability,” an essential factor for students to imbibe to reach their goals. This research recommended of considering the parents and teachers' perspectives in the future studies, and adding follow-up questions that could enrich the analysis of this study.