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Virginia Natividad-Franco, Archie Nel B. De Jesus. (2022). Article
Coping Mechanisms of Information Technology Students during the
New Normal. Eduvest. Vol 2(1): 89-94
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Eduvest – Journal of Universal Studies
Volume 2 Number 1, January 2022
p- ISSN 2775-3735 e-ISSN 2775-3727
COPING MECHANISMS OF INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS DURING THE NEW NORMAL
Virginia Natividad-Franco, Archie Nel B. De Jesus
Bulacan State University, Philippines
Email: vi[email protected], archienel.dejesus@bulsu.edu.ph
ABSTRACT
Information Technology (I.T.) and the net have transformed people's approach to
life and educational access. These changes brought pressures and challenges to
students to adapt to the new normal. The study aimed to determine the coping
mechanisms of the I.T. students during the new normal era. The study utilized a
mixed-methods type of research, which develops a novel theoretical perspective
by combining the strengths of quantitative and qualitative methods. The study's
respondents are the 515 students from the College of Information and
Communications Technology at Bulacan State University, Philippines. A validated
survey instrument was disseminated through messenger to randomly selected
students in the college. Furthermore, a focus group discussion with the college
organization officers was done via google meet. The findings revealed a 3.27
weighted mean on their coping behavior, which means that the Information and
Technology students experienced this behavior sometimes. Moreover, to cope up
with the challenges in the new normal education, the coping mechanisms they did
enable them to survive in their studies are time management, self-determination,
giving oneself to rest and to relax through mobile games, communicating with
friends. Lastly, change of environment. Furthermore, appropriate behavior in
managing the stress brought by the new normal education makes studying lighter
and enjoyable. Recommendations as regards coping mechanisms were submitted
to the administrators.
KEYWORDS
Coping Behavior, Coping Mechanism, Information Technology, New
Normal
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Virginia Natividad-Franco, Archie Nel B. De Jesus
Coping Mechanisms of Information Technology Students during the New Normal 90
INTRODUCTION
Coping is cognitive and behavioral efforts made in response to a threat. A typical
model of coping set forth by Lazarus & Folkman (1984) stresses that coping choices are
dependent on both the appraisal of the danger (primary assessment) and the appraisal of
one's resources to address the threat (secondary assessment). The COVID19 Pandemic
interrupted activities across the world, posing health and economic problems in each
afflicted nation (Velavan & Meyer, 2020). It led to the closure of schools, colleges, and
institutions across the globe so that students could adhere to social distancing measures
(Toquero, 2020).
These tremendous challenges and issues affect the education system in the
Philippines. The country faced a critical situation due to the rise of health crisis. To avoid
and limit the risks of infection for the academic community, higher education institutions;
they suspended classes during the implementation of public quarantine.
However, despite the school shutdown order, lessons continue. People are urged to
study and work from home during this unusual and unpredictable period, while companies
and organizations adjust to the new normal (Xie, Siau, & Nah, 2020). Because face-to-face
classes are more likely to transmit the virus, teaching and learning online is the most
effective alternative. Both instructors and students will be challenged by this podium since
it exposes them to something new (Koldobskiy et al., 2021).
Online learning has become an important consideration, particularly in higher (Al-
Adwan & Smedley, 2012) and adult education (Michaud, 2017). These organizations are
involved in efforts to make online learning engaging and effective for learners.
However, the sudden shift to online learning created a hot debate in the Philippines,
citing the poor living conditions of the learners. Magsambol (2020) cites an apparent gap
between those who can and cannot afford the new education platform's resources. The new
normal education brought stress to students to adapt to the new learning modalities and
appreciate the science of learning.
But the findings of the study of Penley, Tomaka, & Wiebe (2002) showed that
emotion-focused coping has a positive correlation with psychological distress. In contrast,
coping strategies that focus on problem-solving have a weak correlation with psychological
distress. Henceforth, when a student knows the appropriate coping mechanisms, he can
succeed in the new normal education challenges.
Thus, this study aims to answer questions about how information technology
students' coping behavior can be explained and how information technology students'
coping mechanisms are used during the new normal.
RESEARCH METHOD
The study utilized a mixed-methods type of research. This research method is an
extension of rather than a replacement for the quantitative and qualitative methodologies
to research, as the latter two research approaches will continue to be valuable and vital
(Johnson & Onwuegbuzie, 2004). Using mixed research methods draws from the strengths
of the qualitative and quantitative research methods. It likewise provides an opportunity to
develop novel theoretical perspectives by combining the strengths of quantitative and
qualitative methods (Renner, Borgwardt, Coyle, Moeschler, & Bhagra, 2022).
The subject of the study is the 515 students enrolled in the 2
nd
semester of S.Y.
2020-2021 from the College of Information and Communications Technology at Bulacan
State University. The university is located at the province of Bulacan, Philippines. The
Eduvest – Journal of Universal Studies
Volume 2 Number 1, January 2022
91 http://eduvest.greenvest.co.id
researchers used a validated survey questionnaire based on the study conducted by
Savitsky, Findling, Ereli, & Hendel (2020).
The data from Google Forms was delivered through messenger, and a focus group
discussion among the college organization's leaders that was held via Google Meet. The
mean and weighted mean were used to tabulate and evaluate the data. Thematic analysis
was used to analyze the FGD results. Thematic analysis is a technique for discovering,
evaluating, and reporting data patterns (themes). It organizes and explains a data collection
in (rich) detail at a minimum (Braun & Clarke, 2006).
RESULT AND DISCUSSION
A. Coping Behavior of Information Technology Students
Table 1. Coping Behavior of Information Technology Students
Mean
Verbal
Interpretation
1
3.14
Sometimes True
2
3.34
Sometimes True
3
2.89
Sometimes True
4
3.26
Sometimes True
5
3.52
Sometimes True
6
3.79
OftenTrue
7
1.70
Not at All
8
3.87
Sometimes True
9
3.61
Sometimes True
10
3.35
Sometimes True
11
3.03
Sometimes True
12
3.04
Sometimes True
13
3.30
Sometimes True
14
3.40
Sometimes True
15
3.78
Often True
3.27
Sometimes
True
Table 1 shows that Information Technology students' coping behavior has a
weighted mean of 3.27 and a verbal interpretation of sometimes or occasionally true. The
most significant indication is statement 8: I trust God when I am under stress. The
Philippines is very well known for being a God-fearing nation. It has more than 80%
Catholics who have a strong faith in God (Pangalangan, 2010). This faith enables people
to trust God in every situation.
Virginia Natividad-Franco, Archie Nel B. De Jesus
Coping Mechanisms of Information Technology Students during the New Normal 92
The second important indication is statement 6, which says that I seek information
when I inquire about a problem. Obtaining information is extremely easy nowadays. It just
takes one tap to obtain information. The internet has altered people's views on life and
educational possibilities, as Siau (2018) said. It's now simple to get a conversation from a
friend or an expert in the field regarding a particular issue. Essential data and information
regarding specific problems may also be obtained on the internet. Because of the
advancement of low-cost data storage and processing, data stored in databases is becoming
more affordable to access (Bloom et al., 2009).
Finally, point 15 shows that when a student has a query about a problem, he seeks
knowledge via social media. Students get academic teaching through online education via
computers, smartphones, or other mobile devices (Siau, 2018).
B. Coping Mechanisms of Information Technology Students During the New
Normal
The officials of the college organization, the Society for the Welfare of Information
Technology Students (SWITS), participated in a focus group discussion through Google
Meet. The researchers obtained authorization to perform the FGD from the school
organization's advisor. The following themes emerged from the interviews.
Time Management. Kibar, Fidan, & Yıldıran (2014) define time management as a
method for improving personal performance that is deemed necessary in order to
accomplish set objectives, oversee completed work, and increase one's own effort.
Similarly, the leaders of the student group handle their academics throughout the
new normal by using excellent time management. They spend nearly the whole day in front
of their computers, studying their courses, viewing video presentations, and perusing their
teachers' posted teachings in the new normal. They only struggled in the first quarter of the
course, but they are able to adapt to the circumstances after that. Despite their high
workloads, students manage to complete their assignments one at a time.
Self-Determination. The student leaders said during the interview that learning in
the new normal is difficult. They do, however, want to graduate, therefore they are
motivated to study and pass the courses. Their families are also supportive of them, which
gives them motivation and allows them to concentrate on their academics.
As what Deci and Ryan cited in Lin et al., (2021) stated that self-determination is a
characteristic of human functioning that includes the feeling of choice. It is the ability to
choose and have those options, to be the ones who decide one's actions.
Self-Study. The code of the programs is difficult to comprehend since the courses
are conducted online. To deal with this problem, they decided to study alone. Not
everything would be handed to us, as their instructors kept telling them and reminding
them. The pupils used to utilize the internet to learn more about how to code and create
software.
Give Time to Rest. They are weary and drained from their usual lessons. They
believe that if someone is exhausted, his intellectual is not functioning correctly. They
allowed themselves time to rest if they were tired. They may take a sleep, relax for a few
minutes, and play their favorite online games. This refueled their batteries and prepared
them for a new battle. Everyone should have the chance to relax. Otherwise, you'd get bored
with your everyday routine.
Communicate with Friends/Families. Many things have altered since the new
normal began. The number of places where you can go out is very restricted. In contrast to
the face-to-face approach, students must study alone, with no one to speak to about
academic problems. As a consequence, students' academics are being hampered. However,
thanks to technological advancements, connecting with friends and family has become
much more manageable. They may relieve monotony in their life by chatting and video
Eduvest – Journal of Universal Studies
Volume 2 Number 1, January 2022
93 http://eduvest.greenvest.co.id
calling. As a result, they were able to deal with the difficulties of studying thanks to the
support of their relatives and friends who communicated with them.
Change of Environment. When you are bored, you need a change of scenery.
However, given the circumstances, it is unlikely to happen. They rearranged items in their
study space to alter the environment. To destress, they shuffle the furniture in their room.
This makes individuals feel happier and more relaxed.
CONCLUSION
Coping attempts to control emotions and change behavior so that we can perform
better in a given situation. Dealing with an issue necessitates a shift in people's behavior or
perceptions to handle the better situation. Effective coping behavior maintains a balance
between the stress-inducing internal and external surroundings. Consequently, the
effectiveness of coping behavior changes depending on the situation, decreasing stress'
negative impacts. To deal with the negative impact, the information technology students
suggested coping strategies are helpful to others in similar situations.
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