Stern (2015, p.

1-2) defined online learning as a 21 st century teaching

modality that takes place over the Internet. It is often coined as “E-learning”

among other terms. However, online learning is just one type of “distance

learning” the umbrella term for any learning that takes place that involves long

distance interaction and not in a traditional classroom. Virtual learning was

already established long ago and there are several types available today (Stern,

2015, p. 1-2), Sloan Consortium (2016) categorized Online or Virtual Learning

into several types which includes, Correspondence Courses which are conducted

via regular mail where little amount of interaction is facilitated. Telecourses,

where contents are delivered via radio or television broadcast. CD-ROM Courses

where students interact with static computer content. Mobile Learning by means

of devices such as cellular phones, PDAs and digital audio players. Lastly, Online

Learning, where courses are offered through means of internet which can be

delivered synchronously or asynchronously. Virtual classes uses computers and

the Internet as the delivery mechanism, with at least 80% of the course content

delivered online (Allen & Seaman, 2008; Shelton & Saltsman, 2005). Distance

education was common in the late 1800s, but its rapid growth began in the late

1990s with the advancement of the online technical revolution. (Kentnor, 2015,

p.22)

The Coronavirus pandemic had brought a profound impact on teaching.

As a result of the crisis, instructors all around the world had to quickly adapt and

shift to virtual teaching. (Barry and Kanematsu, 2020, p.2) Anne Dennon

published on her journal entitled ‘Coronavirus Impacts on Students and Online

Learning’ she stated that before any students even tested positive for COVID-19,

models showed that college campuses could be hotbeds for virus transmission.
Schools' diverse and active populations number in the thousands, and these

students all live in close proximity to one another.

Student surveys also reveal a worrisome increasing trend in stress and

anxiety. College students, who are already a vulnerable group in regard to mental

health, have been profoundly destabilized by the pandemic and general intensity

of 2020, and are now experiencing frequent episodes of depression and anxiety

and it is still rising alarmingly in numbers.(Dennon, 2020) In addition,

institutions are now building digital systems to support students. These tools

will outlast the coronavirus and inform a digital approach to higher education

going forward. Successes could even galvanize colleges to expand online

offerings.

According to (Means, Yukie, Murphy, Bakia, & Jones, 2016) with the

advent of the Internet and the World Wide Web, the potential for reaching

learners around the world increased greatly, and today’s online learning offers

rich educational resources in multiple media and the capability to support both

real-time and asynchronous communication between instructors and learners as

well as among different learners. (Kentnor, 2015, p.21) stated that as

developments in educational technology continue to advance, the ways in which

the knowledge will be delivered and received in both the traditional and online

classrooms will further evolve.

American Nurses Association (ANA) recognized Virtual Learning’s

benefit: As the nurse of the future evolves, so must nursing educations. Curricula

must be designed to adequately prepare competent entry-level nurses. The nurse

shortage and program capacity limits demand efficient education process.

expand opportunities to students and increase efficiency (p. 28). In 21st. century

information and communication technology have become an essential section of

the teaching process by changing all aspects of education to improve a lecturer’s

pedagogical practices and promote effective ways to manage time in the

classroom. (El-Sofany & El-Haggar, 2020, p.5)

Online courses and classes are exhibiting the thought of being more

accessible to students and that they have the chance to participate. Virtual

learning provides optimal course contents containing the needs of the students,

hence, improving the educational quality. Yet this is also challenging particularly

on the least well-prepared learners. These are students who prefer the

traditional modality of education wherein they are physically present in a

physical classroom. (Bettinger & Susanna, 2017).

Online learning is budget friendly as students do not have to travel

by far, and it is cost effective in a sense that it offers opportunities to more

learners in giving access to education. When issues of time and place are brought

to consideration, it is flexible that the students have the right in choosing the

place and time that suits them. On the other hand, there will be a result of lack of

relation and requires a time management skills and a strong motivation in order

for the students to reduce such efforts on E-learning. (Arkorful & Abaidoo, 2015).

Synchronous learning is more preferable for the reason that this is

beneficial for students as this increases student interaction given the

opportunity to interact with the instructors. However, the method of

asynchronous online discussions are valuable as well for this medium develops
the learners’ cognitive skills and enhances their understanding on a certain

content of a topic as they are guided by their instructor. (Martin & Bolliger,

2018)

Virtual classes in this time of pandemic through video conferences

and personalized online references, reducing the time spent in changing location

for classes, and flexible timetables have seen by medical students as benefits for

them when they are being taught of a course online as it is well-perceived. A few

drawbacks for students with online courses include the sensation of isolation,

adaptation difficulties, and self-discipline. (Popa et. al, 2020).

The impact of online classes during the CoVid-19 pandemic have

caused a variety of changes. Adjustments should be made to address the

problems regarding the online mode of learning such as the frustrations,

inconvenience, and inaccessibility of some other countries wherein students and

teachers will have an improved quality education amidst the current situation.

(Nambiar, 2020).

E-learning is used increasingly in nurse education; while it is unable

to provide some types of learning experience, research suggests that the

technologies commonly used as part of online learning can help the process of

identity change in ways that face to face teaching cannot. E-learning can provide

communities of practice online in situations where factors such as geographical

location would otherwise make it difficult. It can offer students more control

over online interactions than in face to face teaching, which may encourage

introverted students to engage more full. (McKenzie, K & Murray, A, 2010)

nurse reactions, knowledge, and skills (ie, the first two levels of the Kirkpatrick

model). The effectiveness of e-learning interventions for nurses in a continuing

education context remains unknown regarding how the learning can be

transferred to change practice and affect patient outcomes. Further scientific,

methodological, theoretical, and practice-based breakthroughs are needed in the

fast-growing field of e-learning in nursing education, especially in a life-learning

perspective. (Gagnon, 2019)

Quick changes on the field of informational communication

technologies forces educational and other institutions to think about different

ways of teaching and learning in both formal and informal environments. As a

consequence we are facing a rapid development and use of new educational

approaches such as e-learning, simulations, virtual reality, etc. They brought a

revolution to learning and instruction. But in general the empirical results of e-

learning studies are somewhat disappointing. They cannot prove the superiority

of e-learning processes over traditional learning in general, neither in specific

areas like nursing. In our international study we proved that e-Learning can have

many benefits and that it can enhance learning experience in nursing education,

but it has to be provided in correct manner. (Peter et al., 2006)

The imposition of e-learning brings more limitations to students

who are older, with work and family responsibilities, living in a rural

environment and with limited electronic resources. Online teaching has allowed

substituting the teaching of theory, although face-to-face teaching is preferred, at

the same time it has shown that clinical practices are indispensable for the
training of the nursing students. Online education goes beyond the online

continuation of the classes. The parties responsible should already be working

on this for the next academic year, in light of the uncertain future of a short-term

control of COVID-19. (Morcillio et al., 2020)

There are disadvantages for e-Learning such as learners need to

have access to a computer and the Internet. They required having computer

skills with programs such as word handling, Internet browsers, and e-mail

communication. Slow internet connections or older computers may make gain

access to the course materials hard—this may cause the learners to get upset

and give up. Another disadvantage of e learning is that students may feel isolated

from the instructor. Learners also need to have good writing, computer, and

communication skills. When instructors and other learners are not meeting face

to face, it is possible to misunderstand what was intended. (Ali, 2016)

In the past generations, education are mostly practiced in a classroom

setting with the presence of interaction of students and instructors but because

of the recent pandemic, health status of the students and instructors are at

greater risk. According to the Commission on Higher Education or CHED,

implementation of educational online learning can be a good alternative. Jose Z.

Tria in her article entitled ‘The COVID-19 Pandemic through the Lens of Education

in the Philippines: The New Normal’ points out that each schools are

implementing different rules and regulations to ensure proper implementation

of the learning tools and that students should abide to continue their education

even if they are at their homes.

universities and state colleges in the entire country has opted the use of online

platforms to facilitate virtual learning to ensure continuity of education among

the student with the use of modern technology (Dhawan, 2020). Chua et. al

(2020, p.11) stated in the article entitled ‘The Status of the Implementation of the

E-Learning Classroom in Selected Higher Education Institutions in Region IV-A

Amidst the COVID-19 Crisis’ although, most population are new to the idea of

virtual learning and rendered them unprepared for the resources some of the

‘Millennials’ have the capacity in adjusting to this new educational learning

modality delivered by the schools because of their engagement and familiarity to

social media.

Mobo et. al (2019) stated in the research entitled ‘An Assessment of the

Effectiveness of E-Learning in AMA Olongapo Campus’ that virtual learning and

teaching modality needs to be developed in a more advance way so it can

provide the proper delivery of learning to the students. Engaging in online

classes, not all people can afford it and some are unable to attend virtual classes

due to unstable internet connectivity which is counted as another problem

(Munalim, 2020). In a research study conducted by Baticulon et. al (2020)

entitled ‘Barriers to Online Learning in the time of COVID-19: A national survey of

medical students in the Philippines’ today’s situation changes are expected to

arise and adjustments must be done.

The Filipino society gives importance to the academic studies of younger

generation especially the hardworking parents who wants to provide a bright

future for their children (Arimbuyutan et. al 2007). Dabbagh and Rittland (n.d)
stated in the article entitled ‘Online Learning: Concepts, Strategies and

Application’ that students should practice other ways of learning strategies to be

able to succeed in the virtual learning. It is not only based on the teaching

capabilities of the instructor but the attitude and behavior of the student of how

they give importance to their studies. Each person is unique in their own ways

and how they interpret learning and understanding is mostly conceptual it is

students ability to explore for the better academic outcome.

Bibliography
Ali, W. G. (2016). Nursing Students’ Readiness for e-Learning Experience. Gynecol
Obstet (Sunnyvale) 6: 388.
Allen, I. E., & Seaman, J. (2003). Sizing the opportunity: The quality and extent of
online Education in the United States. Retrieved from
http://sloanconsortium.org/publications/survey/sizing_the_opportunity2003

Arkorful, V., & Abaidoo, N. (2015). The role of E-learning, advantages and
disadvantages of its adoption in higher education. International Journal of
Instructional Technology and Distance Learning, 12(1), 29-42.
https://www.itdl.org/Journal/Jan_15/Jan15.pdf

Baticulon, A, R, N. R., Baron, M. R., Mabulay, R. E., Rizada, L. G., Sy, J. J., Tiu, C. J. S.,
Clarion, C., (2020). Barriers to Online Learning in the Time of Covid-19: A National
Survey of Medical Students in the Philippines.

Bettinger, E., & Susanna, L. (2017). Promises and pitfalls of online education.
Evidence Speaks Reports , 2(15), 2-4.
http://www.k12accountability.org/resources/Online-Education/Promises_
and_Pitfalls_of_Online_Ed.pdf

Chua, R, E., Sibbaluca, B.G., Miranda, R.D., Palmario, G.B., Moreno, R.P., & Solon, J.
P.T., (2020). The Status of the Implementation of the E-Learning Classroom in
Selected Higher Education Institutions in Region IV-A Amidst the COVID-19 Crisis.
Journal of Critical Reviews, 7(11).
Dabbagh, N., & Bannan-Ritland, B. (2005). Online learning: Concepts, strategies
and applications. Peason/Merill/Prentice Hall.
http://schoolar.google.com/scholar?
hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C5&q=online+learning+strategies&oq=#d=gs_qabs&u=%23p
%DEmzTLyJQBToJ
Dennon, A. (2020). Coronavirus Impacts on Students and Online Learning. Best
Colleges.
Dhawan, S. (2020). Online Learning: A Panacea in the time of COVID-19 Crisis.
Journal of Education Technology System, 49(1), 5-22.
El-Sofany, H. F., & El-Haggar, N. (2020). The Effectiveness of Using Mobile Learning
Techniques to Improve Learning Outcomes in Higher Education.
International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies, 5.
Gagnon, M. (2019). Effects of E-learning in a continuing Education Context on
Nursing Education: Systematic Review of Systematic Qualitative, Quantitative,
and Mixed studies Reviews. https://www.jmir.org/2019/10/e15118/
KANEMATSU, D. M. (2020). Teaching During the COVID-19 Pandemic. 2.
Kentnor, H. E. (2015). Distance Education and the Evolution of Online Learning in
the United States. In H. E. Kentnor. Denver,USA: Information Age Publishing.
McKenzie, K & Murray, A (2010) How e-learning can enhance learning
opportunities in nurse education. Nursing Times; 106: 5, Early Online Publication
Means, B., Yukie, T., Murphy, R., Bakia, M., & Jones, K. (2016). Evaluation of
Evidence-Based Practices in Online Learning: A Meta-Analysis and Review
of Online Studies. Washington, D.C.
Mobo, F. D, & Sabado, G. (2019). An assessment of the Effectiveness of E-Learning in
AMA Olongapo Campus. Oriental Journal of Computer Science and Technology, 12.
Morcillio et al., (2020).Experiences of Nursing Students during the Abrupt Change
from Face-to-Face to e-Learning Education during the First Month of Confinement
Due to COVID-19 in Spain. International journal of Enviromental research and
public health. p.15
Nambiar, D. (2020). The impact of online learning during COVID-19: students’ and
teachers’ perspective. The International Journal of Indian Psychology , 8(2), 784-
793. 10.25215/0802.094
Peter et al.(2006). E-Learning in nursing education-Challenges and opportunities.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17102285/
Popa, D., Repanovici, A., Lupu, D., Norel, M., & Coman, C. (2020). Using Mixed
Methods to Understand Teaching and Learning in COVID 19 Times. Sustainability ,
12(20), 1-20. https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/12/20/8726
Reynato, A. D., Kim, S., Song, J.-G., & So, W. (2007, November). A Study on E-
Learning for Philippines. International Journal of Multimedia and
Ubiquitous Engineering. Retrieved November 14, 2020, from
 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/229052306_A_Study_on_e-
Learning_for_Philippines
Stern, J. (2015). What is Online Learning? Introduction to Online Teaching and
Learning, 1-2.
Tria, J.Z. (2020). The COVID-19 Pandemic Through the Lens of Education in the
Philippines: The New Normal. International Journal of Pedagogical Development
and Lifelong Learning, 1(1), ep2001.