PRACTICAL RESEARCH II Accountancy, Business, and Management

The Impact of Blended Learning Method to Students this New Normal

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Education is a two-way communication, both the act of teaching knowledge to others and
receiving knowledge and feedback from someone else. It usually refers, specifically, to the teaching
of children or younger people and the learning done by them.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created the largest disruption of education systems in history,
affecting nearly 1.6 billion learners in more than 190 countries and all continents. Closures of
schools and other learning spaces have impacted 94 per cent of the world’s student population, up
to 99 per cent in low and lower-middle income countries. On another note, this crisis has
fortunately stimulated innovation within the education sector. Innovative approaches have been
evidently observed in support of education such as blended learning— for instance, radio and
television, online academic platforms and take-home packages.

Blended learning is a term which has gained prominence in education over the past decade and
is once again in the spotlight. To put simply, this is typically a delivery method of education which
combines face-to-face delivery with technology-powered online learning. Blended learning is a
natural development to the growing accessibility of e-Learning, online resources, and the continued
need for a hu man component in the learning experience. This approach ensures that the learner is
engaged and driving his individual learning experience. It also helps cater to the individual needs of
the learner, as most students have unique learning styles, that can be overlooked by the traditional
classroom teaching experience.

Individual differences on the audience require that the use of several delivery media in blended
learning should base on a variety of learning style and attitude. This fact is emphasized on the
principle of education motive excitation. Motivation can link the goal of blended learning and the
learner’s expectation, which stretches the effectivity of blended learning to students. Hence, a
designed blended learning course necessarily analyzes students by questionnaires to have a better
understanding about their learning style and its convenience of Internet. It is on this basis that the
provision of particular digital resources is determined. The support platform of online teaching

GROUP IV: Agudelo, Baclagan, Maneja, Pascua, Orque, Unciano, Valdevieso 1

PRACTICAL RESEARCH II Accountancy, Business, and Management

should obey the design of the content of network, while supporting the interactive teaching
principles.

In the Philippines, it is never before in its history that there are millions of school children
unable to attend classes. With over 21 million elementary and high-school students affected by the
COVID-19 Pandemic, both the educators and students are pinning their hopes on a new normal type
of education which is densely dependent to blended learning. Living in this kind of situation is
difficult especially for those students who are struggling in their education. In fact, some students
can cope up but most really struggles to maintain composure on their mental aspect.

Researches have shown both positive and negative impacts on students’ achievement through
the implementation of blended learning. This area of researches is very significant due to the
changing world because of this pandemic caused by COVID 19.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The purpose of this study is to determine both the positive and negative impact of blended learning
to the selected students of Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte in relation to the implementation of new normal
education. Particularly, it seeks to evaluate the following:

1. What are the common circumstances that students face in the blended learning method of
new normal education?
2. What benefits have the students acquired in the blended learning method of new normal
education?
3. What are the habits that the students developed to cope with the circumstances and
achieved in experiencing the benefits of the blended learning method of new normal
education?
4. How effective is the blended learning method of the new normal education in terms of:
a. Student Efficiency
b. Acquisition of Knowledge

GROUP IV: Agudelo, Baclagan, Maneja, Pascua, Orque, Unciano, Valdevieso 2

PRACTICAL RESEARCH II Accountancy, Business, and Management

SCOPE AND DELIMITATION

This study will cover the impact of blended learning to the students of Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte
for the period covering since August 2020 to December 2020. Furthermore, this study will
investigate the outcomes of blended learning and includes the possible solutions of how to prevent
the negative impacts of this new learning method. This study aims to strengthen the improvisations
sought to be applied in the blended learning style for students to efficiently acquire knowledge and
understanding despite of the pandemic crisis.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study aims to provide information to the following group of people:

Students. This study can be useful as a reference to emphasize the positive impact and further
minimize the negative impact of the blended learning method especially to mental health.

Department Of Education. This study helps gain knowledge on the impact of blended learning to
the students, as basis to improve implementations set by the organization.

Parents. This study aids to more recognition to the struggle of students and help their primary
support system to build a healthier environment.

Research Students. This study can be useful as a learning material which can be used in Practical
Research 2 classes.

Future Researchers. The study will serve as a basis in the conduct of other researches.

GROUP IV: Agudelo, Baclagan, Maneja, Pascua, Orque, Unciano, Valdevieso 3

PRACTICAL RESEARCH II Accountancy, Business, and Management

DEFINITION OF TERMS

The following terms were defined to have a better understanding of this study.

Blended Learning. Also hybrid learning, this refers to a method of teaching that integrates
technology and digital media with traditional instructor-led classroom activities, giving students
more flexibility to customize their learning experiences.

Delivery Media. This refers to the methods used to distribute educational resources to the students
in the new normal environment.

Struggles. This refers to the circumstances faced by the different elements in the educational
system, especially the students.

Interactive teaching. This refers to the means of instructing whereby the teachers actively involve
the students in their learning process by way of regular teacher-student interaction, student-student
interaction, use of audio-visuals, and hands-on demonstrations.

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

The researchers are bound to use the descriptive study approach in determining the positive and
negative impacts of the blended learning method in the new normal education through interview
methods. The researchers also opt to identify underlying determinants relative to the circumstances
and benefits attained from the several techniques applied and implemented in this learning
method. Further, the researchers intend to improve the existing methods, and present subjects of
improvisation that would emphasize and target the impacts determined in the data gathering. This
study shall remain suggestive of the hypothetical interventions to be laid in its recommendations.
The analysis, potentially forwarded to the organizing bodies, is expected to concretely identify
positive and negative impacts from the influences implemented in an enhanced design of the
blended learning method of new normal education.

GROUP IV: Agudelo, Baclagan, Maneja, Pascua, Orque, Unciano, Valdevieso 4

PRACTICAL RESEARCH II Accountancy, Business, and Management

CHAPTER 2
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

RELATED LITERATURE

The New Normal Educational System in the Philippines

In the new normal, all schools will have blended or purely on-line courses. Training in using
teaching and learning platforms will be available for both teachers and students. DepEd, CHED and
the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority have issued and will continue to issue
notices much like the March 22, 2020 notice of India’s secretary of HE sent to India’s HEIs. The said
notice suggested to the teaching and research academics “to utilize this lockdown period for various
academic activities including (a) on-line content development, online teaching and online
evaluation, (b) prepare lesson plan and develop instructional materials and (c) carry on research,
write articles and prepare innovative questions or question bank, etc.” Furthermore, that teachers
and students effectively utilize “the University Grants Commission’s [array of] e-learning platforms,”
which include massive open online courses, the Consortium for Educational Communication-
University Grants Commission, YouTube channel, National Digital Library, Shodhganga. mdjj

Teaching and learning platforms. Philippines-wise, we have available on-line educational

platforms. One is the DepEd Commons accessible on Globe or TM-powered smartphones free of
data charges and which is also accessible to private schools’ students. Because of the Covid-19
movement restrictions, “the DepEd has been encouraging students to continue their learning
online” (Tanhueco-Tumapon, 2020).

The Blended Learning Methods

In some remote areas or barangays without internet connectivity but without the presence of
COVID-19 case since the start of pandemic may go offline or blended learning system. These public
and private schools should be ready to implement flexible learning as an alternative to traditional
classroom learning before the start of classes. This includes having their lessons through radio,
television or cellular phones as what is applicable in the area where the learning process takes

GROUP IV: Agudelo, Baclagan, Maneja, Pascua, Orque, Unciano, Valdevieso 5

PRACTICAL RESEARCH II Accountancy, Business, and Management

place. For this reason, there might be changes in the contents of school curriculum, syllabi, lesson
planning and scheduling of classes.

Various learning delivery options such as but not limited to face-to-face, blended learnings,
distance learnings, homeschooling and other modes of delivery shall be adopted. The possibility of
alternating school days for students or staggered conduct of classes is also pushed by some of our
authorities in education. This is to decongest the number of students inside the classroom and
ensure the students and teachers’ safety in school areas with physical attendance. In schools where
face-to-face modality is allowed, there shall be a maximum of 15 to 20 learners in a class. This is in
compliance with the social distancing measures set by the Department of Health (DOH). Also, the
conduct of curricular and co-curricular activities that involve gathering of large number of learners,
such as science fairs, trade fairs, school sports, campus journalism, festival of talents, job fairs,
career orientation, among others are cancelled for the school year, except those activities conducted
online.

In enrolment period, teachers may report for work whether physically or virtually. They may
undergo series of capacity building activities for Flexible Learning (FL) or lessons under the new
normal. Teachers will be trained to implement the adjustments as well as to prepare the needed
facilities and equipment under the new delivery modes.

Also, under the new teaching-learning modes, parents play big role in the education of their
children at home. Hence in this period of pandemic, when the parent’s role is crucial, the school
partnerships with parents or guardians shall be strengthened. There will be more orientations and
capacity building for parents and guardians to prepare them for their new role/responsibilities in the
new teaching-learning process. Local government units (LGU) support in these undertakings,
especially in the provision of funding and resources, is needed (Casiple, 2020).

Online Learning vs. Traditional Learning

By 2025, the online learning market will hit over $157.7 billion — and that prediction was made
before the COVID-19 pandemic. Now many institutions, from elementary schools all the way to
universities, have made classes available online for students to finish the semester. Platforms like
Coursera have offered free courses to those who are unemployed.

GROUP IV: Agudelo, Baclagan, Maneja, Pascua, Orque, Unciano, Valdevieso 6

PRACTICAL RESEARCH II Accountancy, Business, and Management

Online learning has been around for a while. Many schools use some method of “blended learning”
— a combination of technology resources and in-classroom learning — to provide instruction. One
study found that 59 percent of teachers say their students are more motivated to learn when in a
blended environment.

Even before online learning, schools used distance learning or correspondence courses to
deliver education. In 1728, Caleb Phillips offered the first distance learning course, a class in
shorthand. Jerrold Maddox delivered the first online course in 1995 at Penn State University.

In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, online learning has come to the forefront. Since COVID-19
struck, 55 million students in elementary, intermediate, and secondary schools have transitioned to
remote learning, and colleges have gone completely online. This raises questions about how online
learning stacks up to classroom learning. Here’s what you should consider when looking at online
learning vs traditional learning.

Learning style plays a big role

Some people learn better when they can go at their own pace, while others need a
structured program with in-person instruction. For those who are comfortable with email, chat,
video conferencing, and worksheets, online learning is a perfectly viable way to take classes,
especially if it’s for a subject that doesn’t need a lot of demonstration — like a history class.

Some students prefer in-person interaction with their peers and teachers. Others learn by
doing, like during a science lab, which can be difficult if there isn’t someone in the room to ask
for guidance or give a demonstration. In those cases, it might be more beneficial for students to
learn in a traditional classroom environment.

Flexibility is a double-edged sword

Perhaps the biggest benefit of online learning is the flexibility it offers compared to a
traditional learning model. That means self-motivated students can log in when they have time
and take courses on their own schedule. If they’re night owls, they can do lessons in the wee
hours of the morning instead of signing up for an 8 a.m. class.

GROUP IV: Agudelo, Baclagan, Maneja, Pascua, Orque, Unciano, Valdevieso 7

PRACTICAL RESEARCH II Accountancy, Business, and Management

On the flip side, traditional classes that have schedules and rules are better for some
students, especially children and teenagers. Regular classroom attendance in a traditional
setting helps them learn how to stick to a routine, interact with their peers, and be more
focused. In a recent Common Sense Media poll of 849 teenagers, 41 percent of them reported
not attending a single online or virtual class since the COVID-19 pandemic started.

Geography can help — or hinder

One of the advantages of online learning is that geography is no longer a factor. Students
don’t need to worry about finding a local school with a program they want to study, which is
ideal if moving isn’t an option. They also don’t have to worry about commuting to campus,
which can save a lot of time and make it easier to take classes while holding down a job or
attending to other responsibilities. There is one major roadblock, however. Some areas don’t
have high-speed internet, and in some rural communities, many students don’t have internet
access at all.

The Social Interaction Question

Finally, the importance a student places on social interaction can help determine whether
online learning or traditional learning is better for them. In an online environment, students
need to be comfortable using technology tools to collaborate with classmates, but they won’t
get the same kind of casual interactions as they would seeing classmates in person.

With traditional classroom learning, a student physically sits next to a classmate, either
working on a project or waiting for the lecture to start. It can be motivating to chat with a peer
before or after class, discussing the latest assignment. Sometimes during these conversations, a
concept might click in a student’s mind.

In the battle between online learning and traditional learning, it’s really up to the individual. If
their learning style is better suited to a traditional classroom, or they need the motivation and
accountability, that’s the best way for them to go. Otherwise, online learning can be very effective
(Tierney, 2020).

GROUP IV: Agudelo, Baclagan, Maneja, Pascua, Orque, Unciano, Valdevieso 8

PRACTICAL RESEARCH II Accountancy, Business, and Management

The Impact of Online Learning

Online education has gained immense popularity among working professionals and students
pursuing higher education. These categories of online learners find immense benefit in the
autonomy and flexibility that these courses offer. Online courses can be planned around their
schedule which may include full-time employment, internships and caring for family. Online learning
can also help them take out some quiet time to study.

The Classroom Advantage

A school provides structure, support, and a system of rewards and penalties to groom its
students. Traditional classroom education offers the benefit of face-to-face interactions with
peers which are typically moderated by a teacher. It provides children, especially those in their
early developmental years, with a stable environment for social interactions, helping them
develop skills like boundary setting, empathy and cooperation. It also allows plenty of room for
spontaneity, unlike a virtual learning setup.

Online Education in the Context of Schooling

As students progress to higher classes in school, they seek more autonomy and intellectual
freedom. Online learning can help them pursue highly individualised learning programmes,
possibly even college level courses. These, combined with hands-on exercises, real world
exploration, and thorough assessments, can be highly beneficial to their learning progress. They
can explore their options by trying out introductory topics from different fields, before
committing to a specialisation. Online learning platforms can help these students become more
independent learners, before they make their way into college. I believe that we must not hold
back students from pursuing an online course but instead provide them guidance as they
navigate through it.

Mobile apps that provide enhanced learning opportunities for school children have become
quite popular as of late. Since mobile phones have already found their way into their hands,
these apps are being used to supplement classroom learning. Teachers and parents need to act
as anchors and mentors, curating the kind of educational content students are exposed to,
during this tricky phase of exploring the right career to pursue.

GROUP IV: Agudelo, Baclagan, Maneja, Pascua, Orque, Unciano, Valdevieso 9

PRACTICAL RESEARCH II Accountancy, Business, and Management

Virtual public schools, that offer full fledged K-12 education have already sprung up in some
parts of the world. They even offer a combination of the traditional system with online
education. There are programmes that provide support to families that wish to home-school
their children in the form of online course material. These programmes bring parents and
teachers into the fold, by involving them in their child’s education from the get go. However,
their effectiveness in the long term needs to be studied.

Online learning programmes will also open up opportunities for children from the weaker
socio-economic communities who have limited access to learning resources i.e. teachers, text
books and infrastructure. It will connect them to a global network of online learners, exposing
them to new perspectives. The ideas that they receive will not be limited by the number of
heads in one classroom.

Online courses call for a greater amount motivation and self-discipline than a classroom-based
course. A classroom has one or more instructors and peers, who can hold a student accountable for
their course-work. In contrast, online courses involve setting our own goals, tracking progress and
meeting deadlines. One does not learn effectively in isolation so online courses do offer discussion
forums, email and one-on-one support. Technology also adds on to the visual experience by
incorporating animations that can be used interactively for effective learning and communication
(Naveen, n.d.).

RELATED STUDIES

The “New Normal” in Education (Pacheco, November 2020)

Effects rippling from the COVID-19 emergency include changes in the personal, social, and
economic spheres. Are there continuities as well? Based on a literature review, primarily of UNESCO
and OECD publications and their critics, the following question is posed: How can one resist the slide
into passive technologization and seize the possibility of achieving a responsive, ethical, humane,
and international-transformational approach to education? Technologization, while an ongoing and
evidently ever-intensifying tendency, is not without its critics, especially those associated with the
humanistic tradition in education. This is more apparent now that curriculum is being conceived as a

GROUP IV: Agudelo, Baclagan, Maneja, Pascua, Orque, Unciano, Valdevieso 10

PRACTICAL RESEARCH II Accountancy, Business, and Management

complicated conversation. In a complex and unequal world, the well-being of students requires
diverse and even conflicting visions of the world, its problems, and the forms of knowledge we study
to address them.

Texts regarding this pandemic’s consequences are appearing at an accelerating pace, with
constant coverage by news outlets, as well as philosophical, historical, and sociological reflections
by public intellectuals worldwide. Ripples from the current emergency have spread into the
personal, social, and economic spheres. But are there continuities as well? Is the pandemic
creating a “new normal” in education or simply accenting what has already become normal— an
accelerating tendency toward technologization? This tendency presents an important challenge
for education, requiring a critical vision of post-Covid-19 curriculum. One must pose an additional
question: How can one resist the slide into passive technologization and seize the possibility of
achieving a responsive, ethical, humane, and international-transformational approach to
education?

THE NEW NORMAL IN EDUCATION: A CHALLENGE TO THE PRIVATE BASIC EDUCATION

INSTITUTIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES? (Ancheta, H. & Ancheta R., September 2020)

This article aims to examine and discuss the challenges faced by the private basic education
institutions in the Philippines as an effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. This pandemic has brought a
dilemma to educational institutions especially when the government announced and ordered not
to open face to face classes for Academic Year 2020 - 2021 until the COVID-19 vaccine. In
response to this order, the Department of Education (DepEd) released Department Order nos.
007, 12, 13, and 14 series of 2020 instructing all basic education institutions to come up with
their Learning Continuity Plan (LCP), and Health and Safety Protocols in the new normal in
education during the pandemic. The bigger challenge is now passed on to the private basic
education schools. Literature cited herein develop a framework as to the necessary measures every
private basic education institutions must do in the re-opening of the schools. As there are limited
studies written on the same nature, the author suggests a thorough study on the various facets of
the online learning involving the children of the private basic education institution.

GROUP IV: Agudelo, Baclagan, Maneja, Pascua, Orque, Unciano, Valdevieso 11

PRACTICAL RESEARCH II Accountancy, Business, and Management

CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

This chapter describes the research design, sampling design, data gathering tools and

techniques and statistical treatment used in the study.

Research Design

This study is a descriptive and evaluative research that presents the degree of awareness

and satisfaction, and the perception of students in Pasuquin Ilocos Norte. The idea behind this type

of research is to study frequencies, averages, and other statistical calculations. Although this

research is highly accurate, it does gather the causes behind a situation to see whether age and

gender variables are important in blended learning effectiveness, and regression is used to find

predictors of blended learning effectiveness. Descriptive research is designed to describe the data

and characteristics about what is being studied. Descriptive research is the exploration of the

existing certain phenomena. On the other hand, evaluative research can be defined as a type of

study that uses standard social research methods for evaluative purposes, as a specific research

methodology, and as an assessment process that employs special techniques unique to the

evaluation of social programs. Other aspects of evaluation research considered are the steps of

planning and conducting an evaluation study and the measurement process, including the gathering

of statistics and the use of data collection techniques. The evaluation of the students on Pasuquin

specifically their level of awareness and satisfaction were extensively described.

GROUP IV: Agudelo, Baclagan, Maneja, Pascua, Orque, Unciano, Valdevieso 12

PRACTICAL RESEARCH II Accountancy, Business, and Management

Sample size shena

A quantitative survey of students with a 100 minimum students of Municipality of Pasuquin who are
currently studying this new normal and was conducted March 1, 2021. Social media was used to recruit
participants due to the lack of a suitable pre-existing sampling frame.

n
Solvin’s Formula n=
1+ Ne2

Local of the study

The research study was conducted in the Municipality of Pasuquin, Province of Ilocos Norte.

Statistical treatment

The specific answers of the respondents per item were tabulate then the percentage was

computed to reveal the dominant perspectives of the respondents on the research topic. There are

items which were ranked to determine what are the students concerns, struggles and major

problems they encounter throughout their new learning experience. Meanwhile, averaging was

used to show the norm or usual perception of the respondents. The satisfaction level are computed

through getting their mean.

GROUP IV: Agudelo, Baclagan, Maneja, Pascua, Orque, Unciano, Valdevieso 13

PRACTICAL RESEARCH II Accountancy, Business, and Management

Data Gathering

The survey questionnaire aimed to gather standardized data addressing a large number of

issues and concerns as regards the perceptions of the respondents on the topic. Moreover, with its provision

of high general capability in representing a population, it was designed to find statistically significant results.

The said research instrument was a set of systematically structured questions used by the researchers to

yield quantitative data. The survey questionnaire was divided into five (5) parts which aimed to measure the

degree of awareness and satisfaction, and grasp the perception, problems encountered by the students, and

their concerns on the new learning system. The first and third portions of the questionnaire were designed to

discover what are the impact of the new learning system especially for their mental health. The second and

fourth parts sought to determine how they can handle the problem or hindrance amidst this new learning

system and if they can still cope up in their education. using the matrix table questions. The last segment of

the questionnaire was an open-ended question which was intended to gather the suggestions of students for

the improvement the way of learning strategy.

GROUP IV: Agudelo, Baclagan, Maneja, Pascua, Orque, Unciano, Valdevieso 14

PRACTICAL RESEARCH II Accountancy, Business, and Management

REFERENCES:
Ancheta, Ruel & Ancheta, Helen. (2020). THE NEW NORMAL IN EDUCATION: A CHALLENGE TO THE
PRIVATE BASIC EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES?. Retrieved on 23 January 2021
from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344267052_THE_NEW_NORMAL_IN_EDUCATION
_A_CHALLENGE_TO_THE_PRIVATE_BASIC_EDUCATION_INSTITUTIONS_IN_THE_PHILIPPINES
Casiple, R. (2020). Education under the new normal. Retrieved on 23 January 2021 from
https://dailyguardian.com.ph/education-under-the-new-normal/
Naveen, K. (n.d.). Impact of Online Learning on School Education. Retrieved on 23 January 2021
from https://www.educationworld.in/impact-of-online-learning-on-school-education/
Pacheco, J.A.(2020). The “new normal” in education. Prospects.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11125-020-09521-x
Tanheuco-Tumapon, T. (2020). Educational and the “new normal”. Retrieved on 23 January 2021
from
https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/06/04/campus-press/education-and-the-new-normal/72
9288/
Tierney, K. (2020). Online Learning vs. Traditional Learning. Retrieved on 23 January 2021 from
https://www.jotform.com/blog/online-learning-vs-traditional-learning/

15
GROUP IV: Agudelo, Baclagan, Maneja, Pascua, Orque, Unciano, Valdevieso

16