Countryside Remote Learning Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic: Challenges in Adjusting to New Learning Styles

The Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has affected educational systems globally. New learning styles have been introduced to students to avoid disrupting the learning process. However, these interventions posed a challenge to both learners and educational institutions, especially in rural areas. The students from North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU) in the Philippine countryside did not escape this dilemma. Thus, a study was conducted to assess the level of compliance with the tasks given in the learning modules delivered to students’ residences as part of remote learning. Barriers confronting the students in submitting homework and other assignments from printed modules were identified using the non-structured interview. Results showed that around 70% of the printed modules were retrieved from the students. However, interview results revealed that most students faced many challenges and struggles in complying with the tasks. These include online connectivity issues, lack of learning resources, vague module contents, overloaded remote learning tasks, poor learning environment, and mental health problems. This study also showed that as the country adapted to this new remote learning system mode, the digital divide in the country became more apparent.