The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is regarded as a global health crisis. Nevertheless, it has caused remarkable disruptive effects not only on the economy but also on education. It has significantly affected learners and teachers worldwide — from pre-primary to secondary schools; technical, vocational education, and training; institutions; skills development organizations; and universities.
The pandemic has brought multiple pressures on a graduate student’s life, given the complex and intersecting roles as a student, employee, and family member. On top of concerns about degree completion, many students may be experiencing stress and anxiety related to loss of income and increased cost of living, and the increasing expectations on the role of parents, children, and community members.
This study looks into the impacts of COVID-19 on graduate students’ learning as schools have swiftly modified into virtual learning environments. It involves the assessment of the demographic profile of the graduate students and how the pandemic affected their course works and other academic activities. The research also evaluates the graduate students’ distance learning capability to include the presence and quality of internet connection, availability of equipment and software to continue and complete the semester, preferred learning platform, and the concomitant role as a family member.