COPING MECHANISMS OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS DURING
THE NEW NORMAL
Virginia Natividad-Franco, Ph.D.1 Archie Nel B. De Jesus, Ph.D. 2
virginia.franco@bulsu.edu.ph
archienel.dejesus@bulsu.edu.ph
ORCID: 0000-0003-1693-1232
Bulacan State University
College of Information and Communications Technology
City of Malolos, Bulacan, Philippines
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 will make
studying lighter and enjoyable. Recommendations as regards coping mechanisms were submitted
to the administrators to further
Keywords: Coping Behavior, Coping Mechanism, Information Technology, New Normal
INTRODUCTION
Coping is cognitive and behavioral
efforts made in response to a threat. A typical
model of coping set forth by Lazarus and
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 (Velevan &
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).
Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4061295
These tremendous challenges and
issues affect the education system in the
Philippines. The country faced a critical
situation due to the rise of the said 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 (Nah & Siau, 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 (Abante et al., 2021).
Online learning has become an
important consideration, particularly in
higher (Al-Adwan & Smedley, 2012) and
adult education (Olesen-Tracey, 2010).
These organizations are involved in efforts to
make online learning engaging and effective
for learners.
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
COPING MECHANISMS
Coping is a term that refers to a
person's attempt to adjust to or decrease
discomfort as a result of stressful
circumstances. Its primary roles are to control
stressful emotions and to change the personenvironment interaction that leads to sorrow.
Individual traits and social contexts have a
significant impact on how people face, react
to, and resolve life events (Li et al., 2012).
Coping is a process of continually
changing cognitive and behavioral efforts to
manage specific inner or outer requirements
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 et al. (2002) showed that emotionfocused coping has a positive correlation with
psychological distress. In contrast, coping
strategies that focus on problem-solving have
a weak correlation with psychological
distress (BenZur, 2002). Henceforth, when a
student knows the appropriate coping
mechanisms, he can succeed in the new
normal education challenges.
Thus, the study aims to answer the
following research questions:
1. How may the coping behavior of
information
technology
students
be
described?
2. What are the coping mechanisms of
information technology students doing
during the new normal?
or conflicts, determined as exceeding one's
resources. In dealing with these emotions,
they use different behavior and cognitive
strategies. Several scientists state that coping
strategy
is
a
complex,
dynamic,
multidimensional process. Coping aims at
regulating emotions and changing behavior
so that we can do better in a particular
situation. Dealing with a problem requires a
change in people's behavior or cognitions to
manage the situation better (Arden and
Chilcot, 2020).
Individuals cope with unpleasant
emotional states and their related life
difficulties in various ways (Kasi et al.,
2007). The Effective coping behavior creates
equilibrium between the internal and external
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environments that produce Stress; As a result,
the efficacy of coping behavior varies
depending on the circumstance, reducing the
adverse effects of stress. This implies that
coping strategies that work in one possibility
may not work in another (Baqutayan, 2015).
According to Rogers and Yassin
(2003), children must acquire various coping
skills to deal with stressful situations.
Financial difficulties, sleep deprivation,
social activities, and other stresses may
impair pupils' capacity to succeed if they are
not managed properly. According to Blona
(2005), students are stressed because they are
attempting to deal with the difficulties of
adjusting to a new living situation
A coping strategy is a method of
dealing with stressful or difficult situations.
Similarly, according to Prather (2013), stress
relievers include putting things in
perspective, engaging in hobbies, and
enjoying pleasures in moderation. Anything
that puts one's mental and physical health to
the test or presents a danger to one's wellbeing degrades both (Mayo Clinic Staff,
2012). Getting excellent grades is a source of
spring stress for students and it impacts their
ability to make positive impressions on their
parents, peers, and significant others.
However, time management is a
crucial practice In meeting the demands of
home and work. Establishing routines
through habits and techniques in a set
schedule helps them to utilize time
efficiently. Also, taking advantage of tools
and technology to perform jobs like
submission of outputs, computation of
scores, checking written assignments, and
delivery of instruction provides comfort and
convenience (Raines, 2011).
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Technological advancements will
shape the future of education. Even before the
COVID-19 Pandemic, global expenditures in
educational technology were about $18.66
billion in 2019, and the total market for online
education is expected to reach 350 billion
dollars by 2025. (Li & Lalani, 2020). The 5th
generation (5G) mobile network expands the
potential for mobile learning, which may one
day become the primary mode of online
education. There will be greater hardware
and software interconnection (Xin et al.,
2020).
The post-COVID-19 era's new
normal allows for a reassessment of
educational objectives. The majority of them
are interested in how technology might help
them. Many institutions are moving toward a
completely online or mixed learning mode in
teaching at a time of social distancing
practice showing a major new normal
behavior (Cahapay, 2020).
Information technology (IT.) and the
internet have changed people's perspectives
on life, and educational access has been
changed by information technology (IT) and
the internet (Siau, 2018). Students get
academic instruction through computers,
cellphones, or other mobile devices via
online Education platform. Before the
COVID-19 Pandemic, it had seen rapid
expansion and adoption. Learners may
choose from various online education
programs to gain new skills or improve on
current ones (Xie et al., 2020).
There is inadequate instructor training
for new normal education. There is a limited
time for preparing modules, exams, and other
related to instruction due to the university
administrators' limited time or concern
authorities to conduct since the summer class
has already been implemented. The said
interventions made it more challenging to
perform due to the implementing community
quarantines. Likewise, in their study, De
Villa and Manalo (2020) found that teachers
heralded that putting up the most appropriate
pedagogy to support the lesson in online
distance learning creates another problem.
Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4061295
METHODOLOGY
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 the qualitative and quantitative
research methods (Johnson & Onwuegbuzie,
2004). It likewise provides an opportunity to
develop novel theoretical perspectives by
combining the strengths of quantitative and
qualitative methods (Creswell, 2009).
The subject of the study is the 515
students enrolled in the 2nd 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's heart of Bulacan, Philippines.
The researchers used a validated survey
questionnaire based on Savitsky's study
(2020).
The data from Google Forms was
delivered through messenger, and a focus
group discussion among the college
organization's leaders 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, pg. 79).
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
COPING BEHAVIOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS
Table 1. Coping Behavior of Information Technology Students
Indicators
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
I can alter the situation and deal with the changes
I believe that coping with stress can strengthen me
I can stay focused under pressure
I Perceive myself as a strong person
I try to get advice from someone about what to do
When I have a question about the situation, I seek information
I use alcohol or drugs to make myself feel better
I put my trust in God when I am under stress
I focus on work or other substitute activities to take my mind off
things
I have a positive outlook regarding the situation
I use alcohol or drugs to make myself feel better
I enjoy the jokes about the situation
I try to get emotional support from friends or relatives
I eat more than usual to calm myself down
When I have a question about the situation, I use social networks
to get information
Weighted Mean
Mean
3.14
3.34
2.89
3.26
3.52
3.79
1.70
3.87
3.61
Verbal
Interpretation
Sometimes True
Sometimes True
Sometimes True
Sometimes True
Sometimes True
OftenTrue
Not at All
Sometimes True
Sometimes True
3.35
3.03
3.04
3.30
3.40
3.78
Sometimes True
Sometimes True
Sometimes True
Sometimes True
Sometimes True
Often True
3.27
Sometimes True
Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4061295
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.
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 lowcost 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).
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. Gürbüz and Aydn
(2012) 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 were 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 Chen
& Jang, 2010) stated, 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
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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 were weary
and drained from their usual lessons. They
believe that if someone is exhausted, his
intellect 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 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 will 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
de-stress, 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 stressinducing 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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Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4061295