Review of Related Literature

RELATED LITERATURE

FOREIGN

Blended Learning is learning which combines online and face-to-face approaches.

By means of online discussion forms, teachers can monitor the class discussions. These

discussions help teachers identify topics that need clarification or that have captured the

interest of students, and they can use the insights gained by them to structure class time.

Also, if teacher use the Web discussion area to address some of the more straightforward

student questions, they can make better use of class time (Akyuz, Samsa, 2009). In

general, blended learning means any combination of learning delivery methods, mostly

including face-to-face instruction with asynchronous and/or synchronous computer

technologies. Hybrid learning is another term which has been used synonymously with

blended learning (So, Brush, 2008; as cited Akyuz, Samsa).

The effectiveness of class discussion in face-to-face and online settings has focused

on how both settings have context-specific advantages. Face-to-face discussions tend to

have greater efficiency, immediacy of feedback, no technological issues, greater perceived

interactivity and important verbal and non-verbal communication cues present (Wang, Woo

2007; as cited Akyuz, Samsa).

According to the High Focus Centers (2020) online learning affects everyone from

young children to young adults, teachers, and professors. For many students, virtual

classes may worsen existing mental health disorders. For others, the impact of the

pandemic and online learning can trigger new changes in mental health and mood.

Social Isolation
 While school is primarily a place for learning, it is also a social hub for many

teenagers. Teenagers and young adults have the opportunity to interact with their

classmates in school. It's a chance for them to meet new people and express themselves.

Teens may feel lonely, unmotivated, or frustrated without frequent social interaction when

schools and institutions transition to virtual formats.

Social isolation has been found in numerous researches to have a higher rate of bad

repercussions for people's mental and physical health. Face-to-face contacts have also

been shown to help alleviate depression and anxiety in other research. Social anxiety and

tensions may rise as a result of less social connection. Teenagers, for example, may be

concerned about the effects of extended solitude on their friendships.

According to Caduceus International Publishing (2021) despite the problems online

learning created for students and parents this year, it wasn’t all bad news. Some students

were actually able to benefit from online learning at home. Many students excelled

academically during this time due to being at home, in a comfortable environment where

they felt safe. They may have felt that the fear and worry associated with living through a

global pandemic was more manageable at home with family, where they felt cared for and

connected. In some cases, students who experienced bullying at school found that online

learning felt like a safer environment than traditional school, and they were able to focus on

academic success.

LOCAL

Based on Rappler (2021), education advocates have said that the pandemic

highlighted the gaps in the Philippine education system. This was evident in the erroneous

learning modules distributed to public school students during the pandemic.

 An online survey conducted by the multisectoral group Movement for Safe,

Equitable, Quality and Relevant Education (SEQuRE) found that 86.7% of students under

modular learning, 66% under online learning, and 74% under blended learning said they

“learned less” under the alternative modes of learning compared with the traditional face-to-

face setup.

The survey also found that only 5.4% under the blended learning, 5.7% under

modular learning, and 9.1% under online learning “learned more.”

The survey was conducted from June 25 to July 12 among 1,278 teachers, 1,299

Grades 4 to 12 students, and 3,172 parents.

Their greatest challenge was linked to their learning environment at home, while their least

challenge was technological literacy and competency. Based on the students’ responses,

their challenges were also found to be aggravated by the pandemic, especially in terms of

quality of learning experience, mental health, finances, interaction, and mobility (Barrot et

al., 2021). Their greatest challenge was linked to their learning environment at home, while

their least challenge was technological literacy and competency. Based on the students’

responses, their challenges were also found to be aggravated by the pandemic, especially

in terms of quality of learning experience, mental health, finances, interaction, and mobility

(Barrot et al., 2021)