FACTORS AFFECTING THE BEHAVIOR OF THE MARITIME STUDENTS DURING SYNCHRONOUS CLASS

The e-learning or synchronous learning to be implemented explicitly amidst the pandemic currently faces a significant gap in providing a quality and pleasing environment to students and professors. Research has shown that several factors affect an individual behavior during synchronous classes including socioeconomic status, the aptitude of the student, the teacher's lack of experience in the online environment, learning environment, social engagement, social presence, motivation in learning in synchronous classes, and mental health of students. The study aimed to analyze the factors affecting the behavior of maritime students in marine transportation courses during synchronous classes at Manuel Enverga S. University. A descriptive qualitative approach was utilized to identify, determine, and address the objectives. Interview was used; an invitation and informed consent via email were distributed to potential participants from marine transportation courses that have met the established three criteria. Respondents were chosen through a simple random sampling method, and interviews are conducted using virtual platforms—data analysis is done through data reading, coding, and making a theme. Thus, revealing the factors affecting maritime students' behavior during synchronous classes is significant in providing a quality education that adapts to the changes in catastrophes like COVID-19.