K to 12 Issues and Trends Explored Research Journal, Quarter 1, Vol. I, No. 1, 2021 Students’ performance in an online learning platform: A qualitative study Donna Mae D. Suraliza-Tagsip Teacher II Tayud National High School Schools Division of Cebu Abstract This research aimed to develop a resiliency program after finding out the impact of an online learning platform at Tayud National High School (TNHS) – Senior High School (SHS) during the school year 2020-2021. This qualitative research used phenomenological design. The findings of this study revealed that there is a significant impact on the student’s learning in an online platform. Moreover, it is a must to design a resiliency program to address learners’ needs and SHS teachers’ pedagogical skills. Thus, the use of Google applications such as Google Meet, Google Drive, and Google Classroom has helped in the attainment of an online learning platform. It is recommended that online or distance learning be employed as the core of the resiliency school program to be more impacting to the student’s learning even during the time of the pandemic. Keywords: online learning students’ performance, qualitative study, phenomenological design, resiliency program Introduction Virtual learning or e-learning utilizes electronic strategies to gain access to subjects and other learning experiences in an educational curriculum (Saifi, 2018). Instruction is concerned with the holistic improvement of students’ reformation of knowledge, abilities, states of mind, and qualities. Despite the CoVid-19 pandemic, education remains a constitutional right amidst health and community protocols. E-learning makes education flexible, attainable, and relevant because there is no limitation of time and space. However, activities such as virtual teacher- Department of Education KITE Journal Quarter 1, 1(1) 2 student interaction and student-content interaction are core to achieve the higher impact of online learning. Relatively, internet connection plays a big role in online or virtual learning. In conjunction with this, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the education system leads to schools and colleges’ closures worldwide. As a typical example, India declared a country-wide lockdown of schools and colleges in order to prevent the transmission of the coronavirus among the students (NDTV, 2020; Bayham & Fenichel, 2020; Gohal, 2021). School closures, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, have shed light on several issues affecting access to education. COVID-19 cases are soaring which resulted to a huge number of learners who cannot attend schools and colleges (UNESCO, 2020). Lah and Botelho (2012) contended that the effect of school closing on students’ performance is hazy. On the other hand, the Department of Education (DepEd) ordered school closing and introduced blended learning to achieve continuity of learning. School closing can also affect students because of internet disruptions which may lead to poor performance. Bridge (2020) reported that schools and colleges are moving towards the use of educational technologies for student learning to avoid a strain during the pandemic season. Hence, the present study’s objective is to develop and test a conceptual model of student satisfaction about online teaching during COVID-19, where both students and teachers have to use the online platform for uninterrupted learning and teaching. Henceforth, this research assesses the online learning platform at TNHS–SHS Department during the School Year 2020-2021 for the development of a resiliency program. Methodology Research Design This study explores the effects of online learning on students’ performance at the SHS level of TNHS. The researcher used the qualitative method, in particular a phenomenological design. Department of Education KITE Journal Quarter 1, 1(1) 3 Selection Criteria The gathering of data followed the scheme: preliminary preparation, administration, and collection of research instruments, scoring treatment, and statistical treatment of data. As an initial preparation for the gathering of data, permission to conduct a study was sought from the school authorities which included a consent letter from the Public Schools District Supervisor (PSDS). To ensure the full support and cooperation of the respondents, the researcher met them to explain the purpose of the study followed by the administration of the questionnaire. Thirty students were selected using simple random sampling. After getting the responses, the gathered data were interpreted using statistical treatment computations, tabulated, and analyzed. Sources of Data An adapted questionnaire for the students was established to assess their performance in online learning. Follow-up interviews and reflective conversations were also done to have more in-depth accounts on the need to have a resiliency program for students enrolled in online learning. Data Analysis The following statistical tools were used to treat the data gathered in this study: Percentage. This was used to get the profile of the respondents. The formula is: P = (f/n) * 100 where: P = percentage f = frequency of respondents or responses given in the specific item n = the total number of respondents Ranking. This formula was used to determine the impact of the abovementioned effects in terms of classroom instruction, academic performance, students’ health and safety, and governance as perceived by the teachers and students. Department of Education KITE Journal Quarter 1, 1(1) 4 Average Weighted Mean. This formula was used to determine the teachers-students’ overall highest and lowest impact of the abovementioned effects in terms of classroom instruction, academic performance, students’ health and safety, and governance as perceived by the teachers and students. The formula is: WM: twp/n where: WM= Weighted Mean twp = the total weighted points n = the total number of cases/ number of sample Results and Discussion This study revealed that online learning has impacted students’ learning. Out of the 30 participants, 29 shared their satisfaction since teachers had the time to discuss the lessons with them as compared to modular learning. Ninety-nine percent promoted the significance of enrolling in online learning since there is no need for a home tutor to discuss with for teachers are available to be contacted most especially during class hours. To support education during school closures caused by the CoVid-19 pandemic, UNESCO recommends the conduct of distance learning programs and use of open educational resources so that schools and teachers can delivery learning continuity. In response, many educational institutions deliver online classes (Shehzadi et al., 2020). Below is the presentation of the perception of students in online learning. Table 1 Perception of Students in an Online Learning Platform 2.0 points When respondents perceive a little online class satisfaction Ƒ: 0 Perception of Students in an Online Learning 3.0 points 4.0 points When respondents When respondents perceive an average perceive a very good level of online class level of online class satisfaction satisfaction Ƒ: 0 Ƒ: 1 5.0 points When respondents perceive an excellent level of online class satisfaction Ƒ: 29 Department of Education KITE Journal Quarter 1, 1(1) 5 It can be gleaned that most of the respondents answered 5.0 which means that they perceived an excellent level of online class satisfaction indicating that these students gained learning from their teachers. Most of the students enrolled in online learning had internet connections and gadgets at home since their parents were working. Precisely, the use of elearning in instruction is more effective in improving students’ creativity than traditional lectures (Zare et al., 2016). This is supported by Salamat et al. (2018) who reported that elearning provides the students time flexibility and motivates them to do their work independently. On the other hand, for online question and answer system in the teaching process, teachers need to understand the students’ inaccessibility to attend their online classes due to sudden internet disconnection or interruption. Teachers should not mark them absent but must find ways to assist students cope with the lessons for the day. In the presence of online social platforms, students can utilize group chats via Facebook Messenger to seek assistance from their peers and classmates. For teaching and learning, the e-learning framework has been increasingly used (Salloum & Shaalan, 2018). E-learning is defined as a new paradigm of online learning based on information technology (Moore et al., 2011). In contrast to traditional learning, academics, educators, and other practitioners are eager to know how e-learning can produce better outcomes and academic achievements. By analyzing student satisfaction and their performance, this can be sought. In the present study, the author proposed that online learning should have a resiliency program covering online learning pedagogies, online question and answer system in the learning process, and interactive learning process. Table 2 below presents the online questions and answer system of the teachers and students’ learning process. Table 2 Online and Answer System in the Learning Process Perception of Students in an Online and Answer System in the Learning Process 2.0 points 3.0 points 4.0 points 5.0 points When respondents When respondents When respondents When respondents perceive a little online perceive an average perceive a very good perceive an excellent class satisfaction level of online class level of online class level of online class satisfaction satisfaction satisfaction Ƒ: 0 Ƒ: 5 Ƒ: 10 Ƒ: 15 Department of Education KITE Journal Quarter 1, 1(1) 6 Data showed that five or 16.67 percent answered 3.0 which means that respondents perceived an average level of online class satisfaction since students, most especially those whose parents are working, relied on their teachers’ responses and assistance in accomplishing assigned tasks virtually. In addition, ten or 33.33 percent answered 4.0 which means that they perceived a very good level of online class satisfaction indicating that teachers did good in providing assistance and immediate responses to all of them. Moreover, 15 or 50 percent of the respondents perceived an excellent level of online class satisfaction since teachers monitored their student’s interaction via Google applications and Facebook Messenger. As Weggen (2000) cited, online learning is emerging as a potential tool to transact and exchange information and learning material anywhere, anytime on-demand. It refers to the delivery of content via all electronic media, including the internet, intranets, satellite broadcast, and audio/ videotape, interactive television, and CD-ROM. Further, the last perception being addressed to the selected respondents was on interactive learning activities among students since pedagogical skills and techniques were embraced and implemented among the learners in the Senior High School Department. Table 3 presents the Interactive Learning Activities of Students in an Online Learning. Table 3 Interactive Learning Activities of Students in Online Learning Perception of Students on Integrative Learning Activities 2.0 points 3.0 points 4.0 points 5.0 points When respondents When respondents When respondents When respondents perceive a little online perceive an average perceive a very good perceive an excellent class satisfaction level of online class level of online class level of online class satisfaction satisfaction satisfaction Ƒ: 0 Ƒ: 0 Ƒ: 20 Ƒ: 10 The data shows that 20 or 66.67 percent of the respondents answered a very good level of online class satisfaction while 33.33 percent answered an excellent level of online class satisfaction which indicates that online learners had class engagement and involvement. Allen and Seaman (2014) stated that in online classes, students engage with teachers and institute a system that delivers 80 percent of the course like video conferences, chat, workshops, etc. Department of Education KITE Journal Quarter 1, 1(1) 7 Implications from the Study This research discusses the following factors that affect the performance in online learning of the students: quality of subject teachers; implementation of the curriculum guide; prompt feedback of teachers, and expectations of students. The quality of the teachers refers to the most critical measures for student satisfaction leading to the education process’ outcome (Munteanu et al., 2010; Arambewela & Hall, 2009; Ramsden, 1991). The teachers must effectively deliver the lesson within the given time and extend a mile to influence the lives of their learners. Furthermore, understanding the needs of the learners also ensures student satisfaction (Kauffman, 2015). On the other side, curriculum guide implementation refers to the course design in the SHS to implement the K to 12 program. Understanding the students’ learning style is essential for effective course design (Wooldridge, 1995). While creating an online course design, it is essential to keep in mind that teachers generate an experience for students with different learning styles. Similarly, Jenkins (2015) highlighted that the attributes of course design could be developed and employed to enhance student success. Similarly, the teacher’s prompt feedback and students’ expectations emphasize learning as a two-way process. The teachers’ prompt responses affect the academic performance of the learners (Chang, 2011; Grebennikov & Shah, 2013; Simsek et al., 2017). Prompt feedback enhances student learning experience (Brownlee et al., 2009) and boosts satisfaction (O'donovan, 2017). Prompt feedback is the self-evaluation tool for the students (Rogers, 1992) by which they can improve their learning outcomes. Eraut (2006) highlighted the impact of feedback on future practice and student learning development. Good feedback practice is beneficial for student learning and for teachers to improve the students’ learning experience (Yorke, 2003). Recommendations Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that a resiliency program in an online learning program must be designed for the School Year 2021-2022 to keep track of the impact of the student’s performance enrolling in an online platform. Department of Education KITE Journal Quarter 1, 1(1) 8 Acknowledgments The author is sincerely grateful to the Department of Education – Cebu Province, specifically Marilyn S. Andales, EdD., Division Schools Superintendent; Raul A. Jumao-as, Public School District Supervisor of Consolacion II district, and Fritzie C. Soronio, School Principal of TNHS, Tayud, Consolacion, Cebu for their support in this study. References Ali, Y. (June 09, 2017). Fostering Students' Oral Communication Skills in the Second Language Classroom. Linkopings. Ambrose, S. (2019). TLISI 2019: How Learning Works. Baralt, M., & Morcillo Gomez, J. (2017). Task-based language teaching online: A guide for teachers. Language Learning & Technology, 21(3), 28-43. Bingqing, L. U., Zhang, X., & Jin, W. E. N. (2020). Real world effectiveness of information and communication technologies in disaster relief: A systematic review. Iranian journal of public health, 49(10), 1813. Bygate, M., Skehan, P., & Swain, M. (2013). Researching pedagogic tasks: Second language learning, teaching, and testing. Routledge. Donahue, J. M. (1994). Student perceptions of their teachers, their school, and themselves as learners (Doctoral dissertation, Iowa State University). Ellis, R., Skehan, P., Li, S., Shintani, N., & Lambert, C. (2019). Task-based language teaching: Theory and practice. Cambridge University Press. Eunson, B. (2018). Presentations and Public Speaking. Research Gate. Gopal, e. (2021). Impact of online classes on the satisfaction and performance of students during the pandemic period of COVID 19. Education and Information Technologies. Han, Z. (September 2018). Task-Based Learning in Task-Based Teaching: Training Teachers of Chinese as a Foreign Language. Research Gate. Department of Education KITE Journal Quarter 1, 1(1) 9 Helfrich, S. R., & Bosh, A. J. (2011, July). Teaching English language learners: Strategies for overcoming barriers. In The Educational Forum (Vol. 75, No. 3, pp. 260-270). Taylor & Francis Group. Kannan, R. (2009). Difficulties in learning English as a second language. English for Specific Purposes World-ESP World, 8(5). Kasap, B. (2005). The effectiveness of task-based instruction in the improvement of learners' speaking skills (Doctoral dissertation, Bilkent University). Lunenburg, F.C. (2010). Communication: the process, barriers, and improving, effectiveness, Schooling (1), 1-11 Prabhu. (1979). Bangalore Project. Language Learning as a Process. Saifi, I. L. (2018). Effects of E-learning on Student's Academic Learning at University Level. Asian Innovative Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 1. Sanchez, A. (2004). The task-based approach in language teaching. International Journal of English Studies, 4(1), 39-71. Urdan, T. A., & Weggen, C. C. (2000). Corporate elearning: Exploring a new frontier. Voyer, D., & Voyer, S. (2014). Girls make higher grades than boys in all school subjects, analysis finds. American Psychological Association. Department of Education KITE Journal Quarter 1, 1(1) Appendix 1. Supplementary Data RESILIENCY PROGRAM IN AN ONLINE LEARNING PROGRAM Activities Day 1: Registration and Orientation Objectives Register participant's name through providing the online link. Date & Duration (2021) Human Resource Financial Resource 05 August Master Teachers; selected teachers; resource speakers; ADAS and other support staff School's Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) projector/ SMART TV/ laptop/ worksheets/ chosen learning resource/ bond papers/ printers 100 percent of the participants attended 06 August Master Teachers; selected teachers; resource speakers; ADAS and other support staff School's MOOE projector/ SMART TV/ laptop/ worksheets/ chosen learning resource/ bond papers/ printers Accomplished 1st quarter Module dependent on the subject area assigned Facilitate the participants' needs and distribute online hand-outs for the said training entitled, "The proper utilization of learning resources”. Day 2: Discussion on Learning Resources Discuss the nature and usage of Learning Resources. Accomplish at least one (1) alternative learning modalities 1st quarter subject area. Materials & other resources needed Indicators of success 10 Department of Education Day 3: Facilitative Learning on the Utilization of Learning Resources Identify the different learning resources in an Alternative Delivery mode. Day 4: Evaluation on the Utilization of ADM Learning Resource Outline the areas to improve for the reproduction of Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) learning resources. Day 5: Learning Action Cell (LAC) per subject area Compose a learner-friendly, encouraging, gender-sensitive, safe and motivational selflearning home-task (SLHT). 07 August Master Teachers; selected teachers; resource speakers; ADAS and other support staff School's MOOE projector/ SMART TV/ laptop/ worksheets/ chosen learning resource/ bond papers/ printers Utilized learning resource for Alternative Delivery Mode 08 August Master Teachers; selected teachers; resource speakers; School's MOOE projector/ SMART TV/ laptop/ worksheets/ chosen learning resource/ bond papers/ printers Rated rubrics per learning resource being utilized. projector/ SMART TV/ laptop/ worksheets/ chosen learning resource/ bond papers/ printers Accomplished Self-Learning Home-task (SLHT) Utilize the ADM learning resource through interactive activities. Share to the whole training area the best practices utilized by the school. Recognize the importance of making a learner-friendly, encouraging, gender-sensitive, safe and motivational selflearning home-task (SLHT). KITE Journal Quarter 1, 1(1) ADAS and other support staff 09 August Master Teachers; selected teachers; resource speakers; ADAS and other support staff School's MOOE Shared best insights 11