VILLEGERS MONTESSORI COLLGE

18 Dalsol St GSIS Village Bgy Sangangdaan Quezon City

Virtually The Same? : A Students’ Perception of the Efficacy Between Online Classes

and

Traditional Classes

A Research

Presented to the Faculty of

VILLEGERS MONTESSORI COLLGE

BASIC FACULTY

In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for Practical Research 1

By:

AGUINALDO, Wil Ausburt M.

GUILALAS, John Paul B.

HERNANDEZ, Andrei DR.

IGNACIO, Ian Russel C.

TOLENTINO, Aries John D.

UMALI, John Emmanuel G

In recent years, the proliferation of online education platforms has prompted a significant shift in the landscape

of educational delivery. This study investigates students' perceptions of the efficacy between online classes and

traditional classes, aiming to uncover insights into the comparative advantages and challenges associated with

each modality. Through a mixed-methods approach combining surveys and qualitative interviews, data were

collected from a diverse sample of students enrolled in both online and traditional classes across various

academic disciplines. Findings suggest that while online classes offer greater flexibility and convenience,

traditional classes are perceived to provide a more immersive and interactive learning experience. Furthermore,

students expressed concerns regarding the quality of online instruction, technical difficulties, and social isolation

in virtual environments. These insights underscore the importance of considering students' perspectives in

designing and implementing effective online education strategies. The implications of these findings for

educational policy, practice, and future research are discussed, emphasizing the need for pedagogical

innovation and technological integration to optimize the educational experience in both online and traditional

classroom settings.
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all those who have contributed to the completion of this

PR1 project.

First and foremost, we extend our gratitude to our research supervisor, [Supervisor's Name], for their invaluable

guidance, support, and insightful feedback throughout the duration of this project. Their expertise and

encouragement have been instrumental in shaping the direction and methodology of our research.

We would also like to thank the faculty members of the [Department Name] at [Institution Name] for their

assistance and expertise in providing resources, literature, and academic support that enriched our

understanding of the subject matter.

Our heartfelt thanks go to the participants of this study, whose willingness to share their insights and

experiences has been essential to the success of our research. Their contributions have provided valuable data

and perspectives that have enriched our analysis and conclusions.

Additionally, we are grateful to our friends and family for their unwavering support, encouragement, and

understanding throughout the research process. Their patience and encouragement have been a constant

source of motivation during challenging times.

Finally, we acknowledge the financial support provided by [Funding Organization Name] for this research

project. Their support has enabled us to pursue our academic endeavors and make meaningful contributions to

the field.

Thank you to everyone who has played a part, no matter how small, in bringing this project to fruition.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction

During March 2020, the COVID-19 virus infected most people all over the world, the government initially stated

a month of lockdown in order to prevent the further transmission of the virus. The spread of the virus caused all

of the workers, employees and students around the globe to completely cancel all businesses and programs

from happening, all kinds of gatherings were immediately cancelled as well. They were all locked down inside

their houses. Before a month of lockdown as per order from the government, people were scattered all around

malls and stores to buy their daily needs and enough supplies to support and feed themselves. Other people

ran out of food and supplies to buy, because of hoarders and people who were panic buying. After a month of

lockdown, the Department of Education (DepEd) ordered all school facilities and administrators to pass all

students due to an extension of the lockdown that stopped them from having face-to-face classes to prevent the

further transmission of the virus. Biana, Dacela, & Joaquin (2020) stated in their article, distance learning is

broadly characterized as any form of learning experience where the learners and the instructors are physically

separated from each other (not only by place but also by time). One of the examples of it is online classes. Due

to the current situation, online classes were being proposed by Commission on Higher Education of the

Philippines (CHED) Chairperson Prospero De Vera. Biana (2013) One may claim that the main advantage of

distance education is to bring education to those who are unreachable, under-resourced, less-privileged and

inaccessible. Online class is a course conducted over the internet. They are generally conducted through a

learning management system, in which students can view their course syllabus and academic progress, as well

as communicate with fellow students and their course instructors. GuriRosenblit, (2005) Taken as such,

distance education “reaches out to students wherever they live or wish to study.” (As cited in Biana et al., 2020).

Furthermore, distance learning is the viable option that provides every student an opportunity to obtain enough
education through access to applications such as Zoom Meeting and Microsoft Teams. Moreover, distance

learning is aiming to give the best educational values and purposes that provide academic standards for

students to unlock possibilities of themselves on their own. Bagayas (2020) Finally, there is an issue about the

“lack of environments conducive to learning at home and the effectiveness of the online lectures” (as cited in

Biana et al., 2020). Not every student has the capabilities to learn instantly. In addition, some students were

convinced to risk the factors of distance learning other than losing an opportunity to pursue their desire and

interests. Social media hashtags like, #NoStudentLeftBehind, #NoSchoolLeftBehind, #EndOnlineClasses,

#EndTheSem, and #NoToOnlineClasses strengthen these sentiments further. Flores (2020) acknowledged in

his article what Basillote stated, it is that when students stop schooling, they are less likely to return to school –

compared to if they had not stopped. Also, the probability of the youth succumbing to crime and teenage

pregnancy increases when they are not in school. In other words, stopping education comes with both social

and economic consequences that hinder students’ long-term growth. These are the possible outcomes that

students will do in terms of academic freeze, it generalizes that the student may increase the possibility of not

learning much at all, due to incompetence and lack of discipline of the community and society. Sadly, whether

or not schools reopen, students who are privileged will still have resources to keep learning, while the poor will

be left behind. According to Basillote as Flores (2020) mentioned, this is where the government comes in – to

direct resources to those who need it the most, to ensure that less-privileged students do not get left behind. As

online classes start, many students pushed to trend the #AcademicFreeze on the social media app called

‘Twitter’. These students badly demanded the government to have a break in academics, they used social

media platforms and signed petitions for their voices to be heard. Most of the students plead to resume classes

when the Philippines is fully vaccinated and immune to the Covid-19 virus in order to continue the normal or

traditional classes. A traditional classroom involves a standard curriculum delivered by a teacher in-person.

Standardized tests are administered at regular intervals to test students’ comprehension. This model is where

students’ time, place and pace of learning remain constant.

Students and educators globally meet the standard needs for online distance learning. It is fair to assume that

the Philippines is not yet ready for virtual learning, but the authorities believe that classes should still be pushed

through. Uttering words like “Education cannot wait”. There are two learning options for public and private

schools to maintain education throughout the midst of the pandemic. When compared to conventional learning,

online or distance learning is more convenient and has lessen the basic requirements. It also encourages

students who may not otherwise return to school to receive an education. However, unlike their traditional

counterparts, students who are enrolled in online learning and modular mode of learning do not benefit from

direct contact with their peers and teachers. Normal students can also more readily engage and trust their

teachers. This study aims to reach the student’s perception about the efficacy between traditional and online

distance learning in Grade 12 students from Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics strand in Liceo

di San Lorenzo. The researchers used the qualitative research method given that the researchers wanted a

quality and detailed information for the readers to find out the student’s perception about the efficacy between

traditional and online distance learning.

Statement of the Problem

1. What are the barriers that hinder students to learn efficiently through online classes?

2. Are students more engaged in learning virtually compared to when learning traditionally?

3. What are the factors that enhance the efficiency of learning virtually?

Scope and Limitations

In general, the objective of this study is to know the student's perception of the efficacy between Online classes

and Traditional classes. This will include Grade 12 students from Science, Technology Engineering and

Mathematics strand in Liceo di San Lorenzo. The participants will be selected randomly in this research.

However, the proponents will exclude Junior High School, Grade 11 and other Grade 12 students that are not

under Science, Output A Students’ Perception of the Efficacy Between Online Classes and Traditional Classes

The need to continue education Pandemic Online Classes Sudden change in learning environment Traditional

Classes Crowded places are prohibited Other countries being more efficient in giving vaccines “Education

should not be interrupted whatsoever” Technology, Engineering and Mathematics strand. This study is largely
dependent on the honesty, sincerity and integrity of the participants.

Significance of the Study

The researchers would like to address the importance and significance of our study to

people who are on the mainstream of this research.

Students. This research will serve as a tool for every student to be knowledgeable about

the efficacy of online classes and traditional classes. Moreover, this will help in widening their

information and as well raise awareness about the given topic.

Teachers. Our study would like to propose and raise awareness about efficacy between

online classes and traditional classes that will help you on how to approach your current students

and know their capabilities to help them learn effectively as they should be.

Faculty Members. This research will help you to keep track about your students’

capabilities and which one is more effective for them for the improvement of the learning quality

in your institution.

Parents. This study serves as a voice for students to voice out their opinion and unleash

their capabilities, strength and weaknesses for you to know and help them become a better

student and an individual.

Future Researchers. This study can be your base to continue and fulfill the areas. The

researchers were lacking to fulfill and help our academic system improve with the use of our

studies
Definition of Terms

Viable - Capable of living

Conducive - Tending to promote or assist

Succumbing - To yield to superior strength or force or overpowering appeal or desire

Hinder - To restrict the movement of by bonds or obstacles

Perception - The state of being or process of becoming aware of something through the senses. Efficacy -

The ability to produce a desired or intended result.

Online Class - A course conducted over the Internet.

Traditional Class - Long-established customs that society traditionally used in schools.