Barriers to online learning amid COVID-19 pandemic and beyond: National survey of occupational therapy students in the Philippines

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to describe the perceived barriers to online learning encountered by Filipino occupational therapy students (OT) amid the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

Methodology: An electronic survey comprising multiple-choice questions, Likert scale assessments, and open-ended questions was disseminated among OT students across the Philippines. Statistical analysis involved the Chi-Square test to evaluate associations among variables.

Results: A total of 161 responses were gathered, highlighting barriers faced by OT students in online learning. These included challenges such as physical and mental health issues, difficulties adapting to online learning styles, household responsibilities, and limited conducive study space. Additionally, an association was observed between internet connectivity types and speeds, and the encountered barriers.

Conclusion: Findings underscore the significant hurdles experienced by OT students in online learning. As educational platforms increasingly adopt online modalities, there is a need to apply an occupational perspective in crafting strategies and interventions aimed at mitigating these barriers. However, considering the limitations identified, particularly regarding the development of practical skills and the importance of social interaction, a hybrid learning approach that merges the flexibility of online learning with the irreplaceable benefits of classroom-based instruction emerges as a promising solution. This study's insights provide valuable guidance for higher education institutions (HEIs) to develop and implement such hybrid models, ultimately enhancing support mechanisms for OT practice-based teaching and learning, particularly in the post-pandemic landscape.