Thames International and Globe Telecom Partner Up to Lead Research on Online Learning
by: Hannah Magdangal, Thames Undergraduate Student
The impact of COVID-19 has turned the world upside down. The emergence of the pandemic has taken a toll on everyone – we have all faced unexpected changes and had to make sudden major adjustments to our lives. Students have been greatly affected; most have struggled to cope with the demands of online learning. More so, the limitations imposed required a shift to a virtual format for learning institutions.
With the abrupt changes and rocketing levels of uncertainty, many students fear that their education may have to be put on an indefinite hold, with some even opting to take a gap year. In an effort to bridge this gap, Thames International, with the support of their project partner Globe Telecom, conducted an action research project on online learning effectiveness to Senior High School (SHS) students in the Philippines entitled Learning Enrichment Program (LEP), implemented from May 25 to June 6, 2020.
The LEP was a two-week-long project intended to test the effect of full online learning on the quality of the learning experiences of SHS students in the Philippines during the pandemic. This study implemented an online Learning Enrichment Program in six subjects for two weeks with the help of 156 senior high school student volunteers. The students were given an opportunity to learn from Thames lecturers, all trained in online teaching by Thames and Akadasia Singapore. Thames was able to observe the students and conduct surveys in order to gather information on the basic demographic of the participants, their technological capacities, learning preferences, and expectations of online learning.
The study results revealed that Senior High School students belong to a generation that is accustomed to the digital environment, have high technological skills and adaptability, and are able to learn effectively both independently and in groups. They desire connection with their peers with common interests and pursuits and are highly capable of creating change in society with their capacity to become creative problem solvers. While they desire to discover the world on their own, they still seek mentors for proper guidance.
As the educational system in the country transitions into an online format, all areas of both learning and teaching require exploration and experimentation in order to keep education effective for students. The results of the study call attention to the necessary factors for the provision of quality education and desired learning outcomes for students and lecturers. With these addressed, online learning can certainly fill the gaps imposed by social distancing requirements and the suspension of physical education, and allow for the preservation of students’ education.
The implementation of this program offers institutions with senior high school students a reliable basis for formulating policies and guidelines for online learning, and paves the way for a more inclusive and effective approach given the nature of learning in the new normal.
Thames International is committed to building a new order for the world by giving talented students and entrepreneurs the tools to thrive and lead the way in a world beset by rapid change. If you’re interested in augmenting your skills and making connections with some of the brightest minds in business education today, please take a look at our future-proof programs.
