COVID-19 Constructs of College Students and New Normal Learning Delivery Modalities in Higher Education

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19, forced the shift from normal to the new normal in the Philippines, the ASEAN region, and the rest of the world. This descriptive-qualitative inquiry sought to uncover the COVID-19 constructs of college students and to determine new normal learning delivery modalities in the context of a state-owned higher education institution. Anchored on the constructivist lens and the grounded theory, Ricoeur’s hermeneutic analysis served as a method of exploring the narratives. The perceived effects of the community quarantines were modes of schooling changed, mental health was tested, internet connectivity problems, economic impacts, and boredom. To better respond to the pandemic, the participants believed that the higher education institution may listen to all stakeholders, learn from other universities, and formulate research-based actions. Modular and online modes wherein blended learning synchronously and asynchronously served as the operational learning delivery modalities of the higher education institution. The learning delivery modalities of the higher education institution complied with the policies and guidelines of the national government, local government units, and the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases. The new normal learning delivery modalities in a higher education institution based on the constructs of the COVID-19 pandemic of college students were formulated. The results of this study may serve as bases for developing participatory and proactive educational policies and guidelines in transitioning from normal to the new normal.