Resilience in online education: navigating student challenges through community support

Studying through an ODeL (Open Distance e-Learning) institution presents both advantages and disadvantages, particularly for students in developing countries like South Africa. The study delves into the narratives of third-year Bachelor of Education undergraduate students at an ODeL university, focusing on their reflections regarding their academic journey, encountered challenges, and the factors contributing to overcoming those challenges. Students face challenges such as time management, loadshedding (scheduled power outages caused by electricity demand exceeding supply), lack of resources, challenging modules and personal factors. However, resilience plays a crucial role in overcoming these challenges. Students who encounter adversity can thrive by leveraging protective factors such as community support, access to resources, and strong social networks. Supportive relationships and community services are essential for students to navigate adversity and achieve their academic and personal goals.