Asynchronous or Synchronous: Sta. Cruz Academy Lubao Inc.

Selected SHS Students

Perception on Different Mode of Distance Learning

A. Background of The Study

Students have different preference about the learning styles that may be directed to them. As we

are diversified by the advancing technology, a lot of ways started to be created for the

convenience of the learning among students. It is important to keep in mind that every individual

is a unique learner. Educators have, for many years, realized that some learners prefer certain

methods of learning (Shahabadi, 2015). One of the two main method used for learning that are

offered today is the asynchronous and synchronous learning. Asynchronous is a type of learning

method that doesn’t require real-time interaction or face-face meeting in virtual. The content is

available online for students who can’t view it right away a certain time that they might be busy

at so they can access it when it’s the best time they can view it. Asynchronous means that there is

no set time for the learning to be occurring (Malik et al., 2017). Asynchronous may be the more

preferable type of method of students right now. Some study found out that Asynchronous mode

of learning is perceived by the students as an opportunity to have their own organized way to

study and to have greater autonomy in individual learning (Llorente et al., 2017). As some study

the researchers concluded that few students are genuinely dissatisfied with their online learning

experiences (Shea et al., n.d). Some articles also stated that not all learners can absorb material in

the same way thus autonomous learning means they can brush up on the stuff they need and skip

the material they already know (Makhlouf, 2014). However, some study claimed that

Synchronous way of learning is preferred by some students for synchronous online learning

enables students to instantly communicate with their peers and instructors

( Francescucci&Rohani, 2018). As perceived by some students, that synchronous online

discussions may contribute to enhancement in interacting, collaborating and even an active

learning and equal learning opportunities (Blankson J.& Blankson L., 2008). Some study found

out that the learners value spontaneous feedback, meaningful interactions, multiple perspectives,

and instructors’ supports (Park&Bonk, 2007).

Studies have varying findings that the preference of students for the mode of learning to be

directed to them was determined by the students’ learning habit inclinations saying that those

who are into Synchronous based learning have stronger views to the positive aspects brought by

synchronous learning in interacting and also they scored lower in those who need autonomy and

access to learning materials than those who prefer Asynchronous based learning (Marom,

Saporta, Caspi, 2014). Some findings claim that Asynchronous is way preferable for them over

Synchronous which some students’ perception about Online learning or Synchronous learning

was their first time to experience it and some study suggested that the instructor should be

selective in the way how to integrate online learning based on the characteristic’s course content

and learning context of students (Smart & Cappel, 2006).

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Education was forced to initiate alternative

ways for students to learn which are the Asynchronous and Synchronous method of learning. As

for the concern of the DEPED to pursue the classes despite pandemic, these methods were

offered and now mainly being utilized to every schools in the countr

With these, the researchers were convinced to conduct a study which highlights the views of

students on the mode of distance learning offered in amidst of pandemic. This is done by

gathering data from selected SHS students in Sta. Cruz Academy Lubao Inc. (SCALI)