Research Article

Resilience in the face of adversity: Exploring junior high learners’ perspectives and experiences of blended learning during the COVID-19 pandemic

Uriel Rei Dacoco Balanga 1 , Jomar Cobacha Cabuquin 2 *
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1 Secondary Laboratory School, Eastern Visayas State University, Tacloban City, PHILIPPINES2 Science and Mathematics Education Department, Eastern Visayas State University, Tacloban City, PHILIPPINES* Corresponding Author
European Journal of Interactive Multimedia and Education, 5(1), January 2024, e02402, https://doi.org/10.30935/ejimed/14248
Submitted: 02 November 2023, Published: 20 February 2024
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ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted education, revealing inadequacies and inequalities within the educational arena. This led to the emergence of blended learning as a necessary response, driven by integrating digital technology into teaching and learning. This paper explores the perspectives and experiences of junior high learners in the implementation of blended learning modality at a particular public high school institution in Eastern Visayas, Philippines. A qualitative approach using a single case study design was utilized, and the participants were selected using a purposive sampling procedure. Using Braun and Clarke’s thematic data analysis method, the study generated three themes regarding learners’ perspectives: the advantages of blended learning, limitations of blended learning for optimum learning, and ambivalent perceptions of learners towards blended learning. Moreover, five themes emerged regarding learners’ experiences of blended learning: affective issues in learning, distractive learning environment, time constraints as a learning barrier, internet connectivity issues, and challenges of quality education in blended learning implementation. As a result, school administrators, teachers, parents, and the entire academic community should strengthen their collaboration to promote and ensure the attainment of quality education in the blended learning setup. The results of this study can also assist future related research in knowing how blended learning modality can be better implemented.
Keywords: blended learning, COVID-19, experiences, junior high learners, perspectives

CITATION (APA)

Balanga, U. R. D., & Cabuquin, J. C. (2024). Resilience in the face of adversity: Exploring junior high learners’ perspectives and experiences of blended learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. European Journal of Interactive Multimedia and Education, 5(1), e02402. https://doi.org/10.30935/ejimed/14248

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