Online Distance Learning Readiness of Senior High School Students in a Philippine Public School

Abstract

Aims: The unprecedented arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic made the schools in the country adopt online mediums and platforms, so that learning may continue without causing potential harm to every student's health. Due to the non-availability of data on online distance learning readiness of senior high school students in Public Senior High School X, together with the dearth of literature that could guide school administrators and stakeholders in the school in crafting empirically established programs, projects, and innovation, the study was conducted. Methodology: The study employed a descriptive-comparative and -correlational approach. It was participated by 346 senior high school students determined through multi-stage sampling. Their level of online distance learning readiness was assessed using a standardized instrument. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, Mann-Whitney U test, and Spearman rho rank correlation. Results: Results revealed that senior high school students are generally capable and ready to learn online, using various technologies. The level of readiness significantly differed between grade level (P=0.04) and residence (P=0.007), favoring the grade 12 for the former, and those who live within the city proper for the latter. The study established a correlation exists between students’ stability of internet connection and their online distance learning readiness (P=0.003). Conclusion: The study concludes that students’ maturity and constant immersion in various digital technologies play a vital role in making them more ready to learn online. The study also established that the stability of internet connection is indispensable in urging the students to actively participate in online distance learning.