Research Article
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Teachers’ experiences and perspectives in conducting synchronous classes: Affordances and challenges

Year 2023, Volume: 6 Issue: 3, 495 - 513, 30.09.2023
https://doi.org/10.31681/jetol.1099870

Abstract

Learning institutions in the Philippines employed online distance learning using the synchronous approach for real-time interaction among learners and teachers. While the arrangement is exploratory and contingent, and responsive to the continuity of learning during the pandemic, its impact remains uncertain. This is of interest including the teaching-learning process in online classes with regard to the domains of Community of Inquiry focusing on the cognitive, teaching and social presence. In generating data, this study utilized focus group discussions involving junior high school teachers (N=15) from public and private schools who tackled questions anchored on said domains. Codified and categorized according to themes, the respondents revealed that personal and professional gains are considered as benefits of online classes but retorted that financial, technical as well as teaching learning support are among the challenges. Learning tasks and skills application draw attention under the cognitive arena, while technology, support for learner engagement and student engagement strategies warrant emphasis under teaching presence. Modes of interaction, interaction resources and approaches to ensuring belongingness underpin the areas under social presence. Results further showed that the affordances and challenges faced by the teachers may be translated into opportunities for innovation, growth, and development.

References

  • Ahmed, V., & Opoku, A. (2022). Technology supported learning and pedagogy in times of crisis: the case of COVID-19 pandemic. PubMed Central, 27(1), 365-405. Doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1007%2Fs10639-021-10706-w
  • Ancheta, R. F., & Ancheta, H. B. (2020). The new normal in education: a challenge to the private basic education institutions in the Philippines? International Journal of Educational Management and Development Studies, 1(1), 1-19. https://iiari.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/The-New-Normal-in-Education-1.pdf
  • Anderson, T., Rouke, L., Garrison, D. R., & Archer, W. (2001). Assessing teaching presence in a computer conferencing context. Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks, 5(2), 1-17https://olj.onlinelearningconsortium.org/index.php/olj/article/view/1875
  • Barrot, J. S., Llenares, I. I., & Del Rosario, L. S. (2021). Students’ online learning challenges during the pandemic and how they cope them: The case of the Philippines. PubMed Central, 26(6), 7321-7338. Doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1007%2Fs10639-021-10589-x
  • Clark, R.C.; Mayer, R.E. (2016). e‐Learning and the Science of Instruction: Proven Guidelines for Consumers and Designers of Multimedia Learning, 4th ed.; Wiley: Hoboken, NJ, USA.
  • De Villa, J. A. & Manalo F. K. (2020). Secondary teachers’ preparation, challenges, and coping mechanism in the implementation of distance learning in the new normal. IOER International Multidisciplinary Research Journal, 2(3), 144-154. https://ssrn.com/abstract=3717608
  • Deped Tambayan Staff (2020). DepEd limits reimbursement of monthly communication allowance to P300. DEPED TAMBAYAN Education News & Downloads for Teachers. https://depedtambayan.org/allowance-reimbursement-deped/
  • Dzakiria, H., Kasim, A., H. & Christopher, A. A.(2013). Effective Learning Interaction As A Prerequisite To Successful Open Distance Learning (Odl): A Case Study Of Learners In The Northern State Of Kedah And Perlis. Malaysia. Trukish Online Journal of Distance Education, 14(1), 111-125. https://dergipark.org.tr/en/pub/tojde/issue/16895/176018
  • Edgar J. Sintema (2020). E-Learning and Smart Revision Portal for Zambian Primary and Secondary School Learners: A Digitalized Virtual Classroom in the COVID-19 Era and Beyond. https://doi.org/10.29333/aquademia/8253
  • Eyles, A.; Gibbons, S.; Montebruno, P. (2020). Covid-19 school shutdowns: What will they do to our children’s education? A CEP Covid-19 analysis Briefing note No. 001. 2020. Available online: http://cep.lse.ac.uk/pubs/ download/cepcovid-19-00
  • Garrison & Arbaugh (2007). Researching the community of inquiry framework: Review, issues, and future directions. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2007.04.001
  • Hash, P. M. (2021). Remote Learning in School Bands During the COVID-19 Shutdown. PubMed Central, 68(4), 381-397. Doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1177%2F0022429420967008
  • Hoofman J. & Secord, E. (2021). The Effect of COVID-19 on Education. . PubMed Central, 68(5), 1071-1079. Doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.pcl.2021.05.009
  • K. Patricia Cross Academy. (n.d.). Getting Students to Apply What They Have Learned in a New Context, Retrieved March 27, 2019 from https://kpcrossacademy.org/getting-students-to-apply-what-they-have-learned-in-a-new
  • Kear, Karen; Chetwynd, Frances and Jefferis, Helen (2014). Social presence in online learning communities: the role of personal profiles. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3402/rlt.v22.19710
  • Kim J. (2020). Teaching and learning after COVID- 19. https://www.insidehighered.com/degitallearning/blogs/learning innovation/teaching ad- learning-after-covid-19
  • Knilt. (2009, May 4). List of benefits for using a student-centered approach [Blog post]. Retrieved from Ohhttps://knilt.arcc.albany.edu/List_of_benefits_for_using_a_student-centered_approach
  • Kovanović, V., Joksimović, S., Waters, Z., Gašević, D., Kitto, K., Hatala, M., & Siemens, G. (2016). Towards an automated content analysis of discussion transcripts: A cognitive presence case. https://doi.org/10.1145/2883851.2883950.
  • Learn Alberta (2008, October 1). Assessment in Mathematics: Types of classroom assessment [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://new.learnalberta.ca/Resources/content/mewa/html/assessment/types.html
  • Maatuk, A. M., Elberkawi, E. K., Aljawarneh, S., Rashaideh, H., & Alharbi, H. (2021). The COVID-19 pandemic and E-learning: challenges and opportunities from the perspective of students and instructors. PubMed Central, 3, 1-18. Doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1007%2Fs12528-021-09274-2
  • Mathew, I. R., & Iloanya, J. E. (2016). Open and Distance Learning: Benefits and challenges of technology usage fro online teaching and learning in Africa. Commonwealth of Learning. http://hdl.handle.net/11599/2543
  • McKnight, K., O’Malley, K., Ruzic, R., Horsley, M. K., Franey, J. J., & Bassett, K. (2015) Teaching in a Digital Age : How Educators use Technology to Improve Student Learning. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 48(3); 194-211. https://doi.org/10.1080/15391523.2016.1175856
  • Moore, M. G. (1989) Editorial: Three types of interaction. American Journal of Distance Education, 3(2), 1-7. http://aris.teluq.uquebec.ca/portals/598/t3_moore1989.pdf
  • Musingafi, M., Mapuranga, B., Chiwanza, K., Zebron, S. (2015), Challenges for Open and Distance learning (ODL) Students: Experiences from Students of the Zimbabwe Open University. Journal of Education and Practice, 6(18); 59-66. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1079750.pdf
  • Nasir , N. S., Rosebery , A. S., Warren, B., & Lee, C. D (2006). Learning as a cultural process: Achieving equity through diversity. In R. K. Sawyer (Ed.), The Cambridge handbook of the learning sciences (pp. 489–504). New York, NY: Cambridge University Press.
  • Nayak, J., Mishra, M., Naik, B., Swapnarekha, H., Cengiz, K., & Shanmuganathan V. (2021). An impact study of COVID‐19 on six different industries: Automobile, energy and power, agriculture, education, travel and tourism and consumer electronics. PubMed Central, 10(1111), 12677. Doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1111%2Fexsy.12677
  • Norwood, A. (2022, March 27). What does Self-Assessment and Self-Reflection bring to the Learning Journey. School box. https://freeurlshortener.net/QBS
  • What is Formative Assessment? - Strategies & Examples. (2017, April 11). Retrieved from https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-formative-assessment-strategies-examples.html.
  • Perez, A. (2021) Internet access 'main challenge' for teachers in distance teaching in PH: study ABS-CBN News, Retrieved from https://news.abs-cbn.com/spotlight/08/17/21/internet-access-main-challenge-for-ph-teachers-study
  • Pokhrel, S. & Chhetri, R. (2021). A Literature Review on Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Teaching and Learning. Sage Journal, 8(1):133-141. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F2347631120983481
  • Radu, M. C., Schnakovszky, C., Herghelegiu, E., Ciubotariu, V. A., & Cristea, I. (2020). The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Quality of Educational Process: A Student Survey. PubMed Central, 17(21), 7770. Doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.3390%2Fijerph17217770
  • Richardson, J. C., & Swan, K. (2003). Examining social presence in online courses in relation to students' perceived learning and satisfaction. Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks 7(1), 68-88. https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/bitstream/handle/2142/18713/RichardsonSwan%20JALN7(1).pdf
  • Rourke, L., & Kanuka, H. (2009). Learning in Communities of Inquiry: A Review of the Literature (Winner 2009 Best Research Article Award). International Journal of E-Learning & Distance Education / Revue Internationale Du E-Learning Et La Formation à Distance, 23(1), 19-48.
  • Schindler, LA, Burkholder, GJ, Morad, OA, Marshet, C. (2017). Computer-based technology and student engagement: a critical review of the literature. DOI 10.1186/s41239-017-0063-0
  • Shea, Peter & Bidjerano, Temi (2012). Learning presence as a moderator in the community of inquiry model. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2012.01.011
  • Shuell, T. J. (1986). Cognitive Conceptions of Learning. Review of Educational Research, 56(4), 411–436. https://doi.org/10.3102/00346543056004411
  • Szapkiw, M. and A. (2010) Garrison et al.’s Community of Inquiry Framework. Retrieved from http://www.amandaszapkiw.com/elearning/principles-of-design/module-1/garrison_et_als_community_of_inquiry_framework.html
  • Tanner, K. D. (2017). Promoting student metacognition. CBE-Life Sciences Education, 11(2); 113-199. https://doi.org/10.1187/cbe.12-03-0033
  • Toader D-C, Boca G, Toader R, Măcelaru M, Toader C, Ighian D, Rădulescu AT. (2020). The Effect of Social Presence and Chatbot Errors on Trust. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12010256
  • UNESCO (2020). Distance Learning Solutions. https://en.unesco.org/covid19/educationresponse/solutions
  • University of Tasmania. (n.d.). Teaching and Learning Examples of Learning Activities. Retrieved March 27, 2022, from https://www.teaching-learning.utas.edu.au/learning-activities-and-delivery-modes/planning-learning-activities/examples-of-learning-activities
  • Zehra Akyol &D. Randy Garrison (2011). Assessing metacognition in an online community of inquiry. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2011.01.005(https://star.ehe.osu.edu/scaffolding-module/vygotsky/).
Year 2023, Volume: 6 Issue: 3, 495 - 513, 30.09.2023
https://doi.org/10.31681/jetol.1099870

Abstract

References

  • Ahmed, V., & Opoku, A. (2022). Technology supported learning and pedagogy in times of crisis: the case of COVID-19 pandemic. PubMed Central, 27(1), 365-405. Doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1007%2Fs10639-021-10706-w
  • Ancheta, R. F., & Ancheta, H. B. (2020). The new normal in education: a challenge to the private basic education institutions in the Philippines? International Journal of Educational Management and Development Studies, 1(1), 1-19. https://iiari.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/The-New-Normal-in-Education-1.pdf
  • Anderson, T., Rouke, L., Garrison, D. R., & Archer, W. (2001). Assessing teaching presence in a computer conferencing context. Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks, 5(2), 1-17https://olj.onlinelearningconsortium.org/index.php/olj/article/view/1875
  • Barrot, J. S., Llenares, I. I., & Del Rosario, L. S. (2021). Students’ online learning challenges during the pandemic and how they cope them: The case of the Philippines. PubMed Central, 26(6), 7321-7338. Doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1007%2Fs10639-021-10589-x
  • Clark, R.C.; Mayer, R.E. (2016). e‐Learning and the Science of Instruction: Proven Guidelines for Consumers and Designers of Multimedia Learning, 4th ed.; Wiley: Hoboken, NJ, USA.
  • De Villa, J. A. & Manalo F. K. (2020). Secondary teachers’ preparation, challenges, and coping mechanism in the implementation of distance learning in the new normal. IOER International Multidisciplinary Research Journal, 2(3), 144-154. https://ssrn.com/abstract=3717608
  • Deped Tambayan Staff (2020). DepEd limits reimbursement of monthly communication allowance to P300. DEPED TAMBAYAN Education News & Downloads for Teachers. https://depedtambayan.org/allowance-reimbursement-deped/
  • Dzakiria, H., Kasim, A., H. & Christopher, A. A.(2013). Effective Learning Interaction As A Prerequisite To Successful Open Distance Learning (Odl): A Case Study Of Learners In The Northern State Of Kedah And Perlis. Malaysia. Trukish Online Journal of Distance Education, 14(1), 111-125. https://dergipark.org.tr/en/pub/tojde/issue/16895/176018
  • Edgar J. Sintema (2020). E-Learning and Smart Revision Portal for Zambian Primary and Secondary School Learners: A Digitalized Virtual Classroom in the COVID-19 Era and Beyond. https://doi.org/10.29333/aquademia/8253
  • Eyles, A.; Gibbons, S.; Montebruno, P. (2020). Covid-19 school shutdowns: What will they do to our children’s education? A CEP Covid-19 analysis Briefing note No. 001. 2020. Available online: http://cep.lse.ac.uk/pubs/ download/cepcovid-19-00
  • Garrison & Arbaugh (2007). Researching the community of inquiry framework: Review, issues, and future directions. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2007.04.001
  • Hash, P. M. (2021). Remote Learning in School Bands During the COVID-19 Shutdown. PubMed Central, 68(4), 381-397. Doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1177%2F0022429420967008
  • Hoofman J. & Secord, E. (2021). The Effect of COVID-19 on Education. . PubMed Central, 68(5), 1071-1079. Doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.pcl.2021.05.009
  • K. Patricia Cross Academy. (n.d.). Getting Students to Apply What They Have Learned in a New Context, Retrieved March 27, 2019 from https://kpcrossacademy.org/getting-students-to-apply-what-they-have-learned-in-a-new
  • Kear, Karen; Chetwynd, Frances and Jefferis, Helen (2014). Social presence in online learning communities: the role of personal profiles. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3402/rlt.v22.19710
  • Kim J. (2020). Teaching and learning after COVID- 19. https://www.insidehighered.com/degitallearning/blogs/learning innovation/teaching ad- learning-after-covid-19
  • Knilt. (2009, May 4). List of benefits for using a student-centered approach [Blog post]. Retrieved from Ohhttps://knilt.arcc.albany.edu/List_of_benefits_for_using_a_student-centered_approach
  • Kovanović, V., Joksimović, S., Waters, Z., Gašević, D., Kitto, K., Hatala, M., & Siemens, G. (2016). Towards an automated content analysis of discussion transcripts: A cognitive presence case. https://doi.org/10.1145/2883851.2883950.
  • Learn Alberta (2008, October 1). Assessment in Mathematics: Types of classroom assessment [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://new.learnalberta.ca/Resources/content/mewa/html/assessment/types.html
  • Maatuk, A. M., Elberkawi, E. K., Aljawarneh, S., Rashaideh, H., & Alharbi, H. (2021). The COVID-19 pandemic and E-learning: challenges and opportunities from the perspective of students and instructors. PubMed Central, 3, 1-18. Doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1007%2Fs12528-021-09274-2
  • Mathew, I. R., & Iloanya, J. E. (2016). Open and Distance Learning: Benefits and challenges of technology usage fro online teaching and learning in Africa. Commonwealth of Learning. http://hdl.handle.net/11599/2543
  • McKnight, K., O’Malley, K., Ruzic, R., Horsley, M. K., Franey, J. J., & Bassett, K. (2015) Teaching in a Digital Age : How Educators use Technology to Improve Student Learning. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 48(3); 194-211. https://doi.org/10.1080/15391523.2016.1175856
  • Moore, M. G. (1989) Editorial: Three types of interaction. American Journal of Distance Education, 3(2), 1-7. http://aris.teluq.uquebec.ca/portals/598/t3_moore1989.pdf
  • Musingafi, M., Mapuranga, B., Chiwanza, K., Zebron, S. (2015), Challenges for Open and Distance learning (ODL) Students: Experiences from Students of the Zimbabwe Open University. Journal of Education and Practice, 6(18); 59-66. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1079750.pdf
  • Nasir , N. S., Rosebery , A. S., Warren, B., & Lee, C. D (2006). Learning as a cultural process: Achieving equity through diversity. In R. K. Sawyer (Ed.), The Cambridge handbook of the learning sciences (pp. 489–504). New York, NY: Cambridge University Press.
  • Nayak, J., Mishra, M., Naik, B., Swapnarekha, H., Cengiz, K., & Shanmuganathan V. (2021). An impact study of COVID‐19 on six different industries: Automobile, energy and power, agriculture, education, travel and tourism and consumer electronics. PubMed Central, 10(1111), 12677. Doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1111%2Fexsy.12677
  • Norwood, A. (2022, March 27). What does Self-Assessment and Self-Reflection bring to the Learning Journey. School box. https://freeurlshortener.net/QBS
  • What is Formative Assessment? - Strategies & Examples. (2017, April 11). Retrieved from https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-formative-assessment-strategies-examples.html.
  • Perez, A. (2021) Internet access 'main challenge' for teachers in distance teaching in PH: study ABS-CBN News, Retrieved from https://news.abs-cbn.com/spotlight/08/17/21/internet-access-main-challenge-for-ph-teachers-study
  • Pokhrel, S. & Chhetri, R. (2021). A Literature Review on Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Teaching and Learning. Sage Journal, 8(1):133-141. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F2347631120983481
  • Radu, M. C., Schnakovszky, C., Herghelegiu, E., Ciubotariu, V. A., & Cristea, I. (2020). The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Quality of Educational Process: A Student Survey. PubMed Central, 17(21), 7770. Doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.3390%2Fijerph17217770
  • Richardson, J. C., & Swan, K. (2003). Examining social presence in online courses in relation to students' perceived learning and satisfaction. Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks 7(1), 68-88. https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/bitstream/handle/2142/18713/RichardsonSwan%20JALN7(1).pdf
  • Rourke, L., & Kanuka, H. (2009). Learning in Communities of Inquiry: A Review of the Literature (Winner 2009 Best Research Article Award). International Journal of E-Learning & Distance Education / Revue Internationale Du E-Learning Et La Formation à Distance, 23(1), 19-48.
  • Schindler, LA, Burkholder, GJ, Morad, OA, Marshet, C. (2017). Computer-based technology and student engagement: a critical review of the literature. DOI 10.1186/s41239-017-0063-0
  • Shea, Peter & Bidjerano, Temi (2012). Learning presence as a moderator in the community of inquiry model. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2012.01.011
  • Shuell, T. J. (1986). Cognitive Conceptions of Learning. Review of Educational Research, 56(4), 411–436. https://doi.org/10.3102/00346543056004411
  • Szapkiw, M. and A. (2010) Garrison et al.’s Community of Inquiry Framework. Retrieved from http://www.amandaszapkiw.com/elearning/principles-of-design/module-1/garrison_et_als_community_of_inquiry_framework.html
  • Tanner, K. D. (2017). Promoting student metacognition. CBE-Life Sciences Education, 11(2); 113-199. https://doi.org/10.1187/cbe.12-03-0033
  • Toader D-C, Boca G, Toader R, Măcelaru M, Toader C, Ighian D, Rădulescu AT. (2020). The Effect of Social Presence and Chatbot Errors on Trust. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12010256
  • UNESCO (2020). Distance Learning Solutions. https://en.unesco.org/covid19/educationresponse/solutions
  • University of Tasmania. (n.d.). Teaching and Learning Examples of Learning Activities. Retrieved March 27, 2022, from https://www.teaching-learning.utas.edu.au/learning-activities-and-delivery-modes/planning-learning-activities/examples-of-learning-activities
  • Zehra Akyol &D. Randy Garrison (2011). Assessing metacognition in an online community of inquiry. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2011.01.005(https://star.ehe.osu.edu/scaffolding-module/vygotsky/).
There are 42 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Studies on Education
Journal Section Articles
Authors

Jose Ramelle Javıer This is me 0000-0001-5949-5667

Simin Lu This is me 0000-0002-3488-8357

Ralkee Mıjares This is me 0000-0002-8875-0927

Daisy Quımpo This is me 0000-0003-3503-3809

Jasthyne Cates Salazar This is me 0000-0003-3804-495X

Jose Nıño Sales 0000-0003-3330-3836

Maricar Prudente This is me 0000-0003-1156-0380

Socorro Aguja This is me 0000-0001-7002-4655

Publication Date September 30, 2023
Published in Issue Year 2023 Volume: 6 Issue: 3

Cite

APA Javıer, J. R., Lu, S., Mıjares, R., Quımpo, D., et al. (2023). Teachers’ experiences and perspectives in conducting synchronous classes: Affordances and challenges. Journal of Educational Technology and Online Learning, 6(3), 495-513. https://doi.org/10.31681/jetol.1099870


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