Abstract
This phenomenological research was conducted to study the lived experiences of BS Psychology students of Our Lady of Fatima University-Pampanga to understand their difficulties and adaptability during online learning and to examine their perception towards online education. This study facilitated both purposive and convenience sampling from the 3rd Year BS Psychology students that participated in the online interview. This study also utilized an in-depth interview for data collection that was conducted through online, semi-structured interview in a focus-group discussion to capture the students’ perception and their experiences with regards to online learning. The data collected were analyzed through thematic analysis, specifically analysing it through transcription, coding, categorizing and theme identification. Results showed that students had a pre-existing knowledge towards online learning, specifically its definition and how it was utilized. Due to the shift from face-to-face learning to online learning, the students perceived this new platform of learning as an alternative of the traditional one. Students also experienced difficulties during online learning such as psychological difficulties, difficulties in requirements, technical difficulties and distractions. With regards to this, students had to adjust from the challenges in order to adapt. Furthermore, students used their own applicable ways that would help them to deal with these by practicing time management, doing their daily routine before attending classes, note-taking, psychological coping and looking for available alternative resources.
