Caribbean Studies IA Guide

AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE ONLINE EDUCATION SYSTEM ON
STUDENTS ATTENDING SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KINGSTON, JAMAICA
NAME: CAMEO-LEE SMITH
SCHOOL: YOUNG GENIUS LEARNING ACADEMY

CENTRE NUMBER: 123456
CANDIDATE NUMBER: 1234567890
YEAR: 2021

YOUNG GENIUS TUTORING SERVICE || 1 (876) 501 1966 || [email protected]
Committed to Excellence || Unlock Your Inner Genius

CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE OF RESEARCH
Problem Statement
 It completely acceptable to restate your topic
An investigation into the effectiveness of the online education system on students attending secondary schools
in Kingston, Jamaica.
Research Questions
 State 4 questions that you want your topic/research to focus on.
1. What are the negative impacts of online education on the academic progress of students?
2. What are the benefits of online education on the academic progress of students?
3. How has online learning affected students mentally?
4. How can the online education system be made most effective for students at the secondary level?
Purpose of Study
 State your reason for choosing this topic.
In contemporary society, the practice of online pedagogy has become the new norm. Many investigations have
revealed that online education is the most effective method to go about student learning today. This study serves
to evaluate whether the current methods of teaching and learning used in online education are indeed effective at
maintaining a quality standard of education, to further evaluate the best way to improve the system to give every
child an equal opportunity to a quality education.
Value of Research
 Inform your reader who will benefit from reading this research paper.
o E.g. Members of the School Board
Minister of Education
Parents
Policymakers and Stakeholders
Principally, this research serves an informative purpose as it will inform policymakers a part of specific groups
such as the Ministry of Education about the issue at hand. It will help them to better understand the pros and cons
of the online education system to better come up with ways to improve it. Furthermore, it will provide parents

with insight into the matter and possible solutions to bringing some control to their child’s schooling environment
while at home.
Technical Terms
a. Distance Learning: (Definition from a credible source)

b. Quality Education: (Definition from a credible source)
c. Education: (Definition from a credible source)
d. Face-to-Face Learning: (Definition from a credible source)

CHAPTER II
LITERATURE REVIEW
 This is where you include some information given by other researchers on similar topics.
 It is divided into 5 paragraphs:
o Introductory Paragraph
o Literature based on any of the 4 research questions you have written.
o Conclusion
Examples:
Online Education is the acquisition of instructions via the internet more acknowledged to be pedagogical rather
than self-selected (2019. Friedman). Since 2020, the majority of the student population has started engaging in
online learning due to the introduction of the novel
Coronavirus. The traditional “brick and mortar” classroom is being utilized less frequently due to this fact.
Many researchers have sought to discover whether online education is the best way to go about student learning
in such an era.
Studies based on observation of students in Georgia by (2020, Basilaia & Kvavadezez) have shown that
prolonged school closure and confinement of students to their homes leads to lack of learning as many families,
especially rural ones, have problems implementing the online education system effectively. This is due to
unreliable internet access and lack of devices. This research seeks to explore these cons of online education but
via questions to students of the secondary level in Kingston, Jamaica.
Moreover, studies done by mental health treatment facility (2020. High Focus Center) revealed that due to the
drastic shift to online education, higher levels of depression has been seen in adolescents. Furthermore, the
limitation of social interaction as well as the task of figuring out new technology has heightened the anxiety and
stress levels of teens globally. Also, the hours spent online can cause mental fatigue in students, most recently
given the term “zoom fatigue”. This research aims to evaluate these factors to conclude if they contribute to
students becoming passive observers rather than active participants in online classes.
Nevertheless, the online education system is not all bad. According to (2020. Doyumgaç, Tanhan & Kiymaz)
factors such as the quality, flexibility in schedules and sensitivity to the learner’s need that the online education
system offers, have the power to positively influence a student’s performance in the education system. Using a
photovoice methodology, they were able to observe and receive feedback first-hand about the students'
experiences throughout each day. This research will delve into whether these pros in fact facilitate maximum
student performance rather than act as barriers.
The literature speaks to the fact that strong pedagogical practices are necessary to keep students motivated as if
structured in an efficient and effective manner, the online education system can be an asset for teachers and
students alike.

CHAPTER III
PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA
Data Collection Sources
 Speak about what you used to collect data. Similar to the methodology of research paper.
A mixed method approach was employed throughout this research including primary and secondary sources of
data.
Primary Sources
 Talk about the primary sources which you used
The primary sources used in this research was a questionnaire bearing 11 items and an interview on the research
questions. A relatively large sample size was used in order to lessen the margin of error. A total of 225
questionnaires were collected and all the respondents remained anonymous. The interview was conducted with
a teacher, employing ethos appeal. This was done to delve deeper into the question of how the online education
system can be made most effective. The questionnaire allowed for the data to be collected in a short space of
time reaching a wide range of students who attend school in Kingston and as a primary source it gives first-hand
information from people directly related to the issue.
Secondary Sources
 Talk about the secondary sources used.
The secondary sources of data used in the investigation were inclusive of research papers and online documents.
These provided background information in the form of data provided by researchers in fields related to the
topical issue. These researches involved mixed methodologies where methods such as: photovoice as well as
different methods of collecting quantitative data were employed.
Presentation of Data
 An introductory statement
 Include four different type of charts and/or graphs to represent information presented from 4 different
questionnaire questions.
The following data represent the information collected based on the questionnaire constructed to evaluate the
effectiveness of online education on grades 10 – 13 students attending secondary schools in Kingston, Jamaica.

BAR CHART SHOWING THE NUMBER OF

RESPONDENTS WHO RESIDE IN URBAN AND
RURAL AREAS
160
140
144
Number of Respondents
120
100
80
81
60
40
20
0
Rural Urban
Area of Residence
Figure 1. shows that the majority of the respondents live in rural areas. This is represented by 144 participants
while only 81 participants lived in urban areas.
Other acceptable graphs/diagrammatic representations are:
 Tables
 Line graphs
 Pie charts
Other ways of representing date e.g. from an interview.
 Quotations
Interview Question: How can online education be made most effective?
“I believe through the use of more interactive teaching methods, online education
can be made more effective”
Based on the interview conducted with a teacher of physics at a secondary school in Kingston, Jamaica, the
participant stated that online education can be made most effective by providing engaging ways of delivering
content and ensuring that every child has access to the necessary resources.

Analysis of Data
 Basically summarize you diagrammatic representations.
Figure 2 shows that amongst the respondents, less than half, 43%, states that they have access to a reliable Wi-Fi
connection most times. 32% said sometimes, 23% said always and 2% responded stating that they rarely have
reliable internet access. These figures of people not having internet access all the time correspond with the fact
that the majority of the respondents were from rural areas.
Furthermore, according to figure 3, many students reported feeling demotivated, heightened levels of stress and
anxiety as well as mental fatigue and chronic sadness since the switch to online education. These affecters of the
students’ mental well-being may be due to the sudden switch to an unusual norm. Moreover, many students are
in fact not tech savvy and find the new technological software required for school hard to figure out all while
trying to keep track of the actual school work. There seemed to be some correlation among higher stress levels,
mental fatigue and students becoming demotivated. There were 7.11 percent that said that they experienced none
of the effects stated. This may have been because they are affected by factors not listed or simply that they are
coping with the new online environment very well.
Figure 4 tells us that the majority of the respondents are currently obtaining tests scores within the range of 60%
- 79%. Furthermore, only 12% are receiving grades below 60%. When spoken to, participants have admitted to
their grades falling since they have begun attending school online. The decrease in grades may be due to students
having a hard time learning online eventually becoming demotivated, consequently having their grades suffer.
In the interview conducted with an expert in the field, working with students in the online climate. The participant
stated that online education can be made most effective by providing engaging ways of delivering content and
ensuring every child has access to the necessary resources. This notion may have been stated because online
learning is a new environment very different from face-to-face learning and requires new, exciting and innovative
approaches. This participant has had experience teaching face-to-face and would thus be able to give credible
information in regard to the topical issue.
Discussion of Findings
 What does your findings based on the data collected say about your topic.
Based on the research conducted, many negative effects of online education were presented.
Many students living in rural areas are put at a disadvantage due to them not having access to reliable wifi.
Furthermore, some students don’t have the resources such as laptops, tablets or smartphones. These results are
cohesive with the research done by (2020, Basilaia & Kvavadezez) as they outlined that these factors have
hindered many families from properly implementing the online education system. Members of the Ministry of
Education can use this information to better see how best they can provide every child with the necessary
resources for this style of education.

Furthermore, along with these issues, many students have been put to the task of trying to maintain mental
wellness in this new environment. It was found that many students have been experiencing the following since
the switch from face-to-face learning to online education: Chronic stress, demotivation, higher stress and anxiety
levels and mental fatigue. Studies done on adolescents by (2020, High Focus Centre), showed that since the heavy
implementation of online learning many teens have shown heightened levels of depression. Policy makers in
secondary school should look into implementing programmes geared at helping students cope with the new norm.
Let us consider the other face of the coin, as despite the negatives the online education system has presented its
pros. The online education system has provided students with an opportunity to learn skills which are not
curriculum based. Furthermore, they have garnered the opportunity to exercise discipline and figure out what
learning style suits them best and how best they can manage their time. These findings seem to walk in tandem
with the investigation conducted by (2020. Doyumgaç, Tanhan & Kiymaz) as they made mention of the flexibility
in schedule and the opportunities for making discoveries about oneself in self-study. Teachers can use this
information to better guide students to help them navigate through the available resources and the best ways
possible to learn in an online environment.
Finally, the online education system is not totally ineffective; however, there is most definitely room for
improvement. Efforts have to be put into employing strong, creative pedagogical practices to keep students
engaged and motivated. Furthermore, in such an environment, the support of families, peers and teachers are
necessary for students. With this information, the Ministry of Education can look into providing teachers and
students with the necessary support they require. Through workshops, the ministry can showcase ways in which
teachers can reimagine education to make the lessons come alive in an online environment.
CONCLUSION, LIMITATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Conclusion
 Answer the aim/purpose of the research

The online education system is in fact not 100% effective. This is due to some students not having the necessary
resources to attend, while some do not know how to manage themselves and their studies in an environment of
simulated independence. Students who show high levels of self-discipline are better able to handle themselves
in the world of distance learning.
Limitations
 What were some challenges you faced

 List 4 limitations
1. More insight could have been shown into the research by separating the responses of the participants
who reside in rural areas versus those who live in urban areas.
2. The research could have been improved by pursuing more aspects of the online education system to see
other factors which facilitate and hinder the effectiveness of the online education system.

3. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, questionnaires were issued online, thus it is not 100% certain that all the
participants who completed the questionnaire attends a secondary school in Kingston.
4. There is a possibility of participants putting dishonest answers on the questionnaires and during the
interview, therefore, may have caused the results to be skewed.
Recommendation
 How do you suggest fixing this problem?

 List 4 recommendations
1. Parents should monitor their children, and have frequent talks about how they are coping with the
distance learning environment.
2. Guidance counsellors in secondary schools can have frequent support sessions through organizing focus
groups and have students share how they are coping and give tips on methods that can help them to
cope.
3. The Ministry of Education should have mandatory workshops geared at helping teachers maneuver the
different online platforms so that resources may be presented to students in the best way possible.
4. The heads of secondary schools should implement programmes to help maintain the mental health of
teachers in the situation so that information can be presented to students in a positive manner and keep
the environment stress free and free of negative energy.

Appendices


Bibliography
 Include your references

 Ensure you had a document where you stored the links to websites. It will make this process a lot easier.
 List the sources in alphabetical order.
Basilaia, G., Kvavadze, D. (2020). Transition to Online Education in Schools during a SARS-CoV-2
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic in Georgia. Modestum Open Access Electronic Journal, 5(4), em0060,
https://doi.org/10.29333/pr/7937
Doyumğaç, I., Tanhan, A., Kiymaz, M.S. (2021). Understanding the Most Important Facilitators and Barriers
for Online Education during COVID-19 through Online Photovoice Methodology. International Journal of
Higher Education, vol. 10, no. 1,https://doi.org/10.5430/ijhe.v10n1p166
High Focus Centers. (2020, November 20). The Effects of Online Learning on a Teen’s Mental
Health. High Focus Centers.

https://highfocuscenters.pyramidhealthcarepa.com/the-effects-of-online-learning-on-a-teens-men
tal-health/#:~:text=Increased%20Stress%20%26%20Anxiety,staying%20focused%20while%20at%20home
Loeb, S. (2020, March 20). How Effective Is Online Learning? What the Research Does and Doesn’t Tell Us:
Students Who Struggle Will Likely Struggle More Online. Education Week.
https://www.edweek.org/technology/opinion-how-effective-is-online-learning-what-the-research does-and-
doesnt-tell-us/2020/03

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AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE ONLINE EDUCATION SYSTEM ON

STUDENTS ATTENDING SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KINGSTON, JAMAICA

NAME: CAMEO-LEE SMITH

SCHOOL: YOUNG GENIUS LEARNING ACADEMY

AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE ONLINE EDUCATION SYSTEM ON

YOUNG GENIUS TUTORING SERVICE || 1 (876) 501 1966 || [email protected]

Committed to Excellence || Unlock Your Inner Genius

INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE OF RESEARCH

 It completely acceptable to restate your topic

 State 4 questions that you want your topic/research to focus on.

 State your reason for choosing this topic.

YOUNG GENIUS TUTORING SERVICE || 1 (876) 501 1966 || [email protected]

Committed to Excellence || Unlock Your Inner Genius

a. Distance Learning: (Definition from a credible source)

YOUNG GENIUS TUTORING SERVICE || 1 (876) 501 1966 || [email protected]

Committed to Excellence || Unlock Your Inner Genius

YOUNG GENIUS TUTORING SERVICE || 1 (876) 501 1966 || [email protected]

Committed to Excellence || Unlock Your Inner Genius

PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA

Data Collection Sources

 Talk about the primary sources which you used

 Talk about the secondary sources used.

Committed to Excellence || Unlock Your Inner Genius

BAR CHART SHOWING THE NUMBER OF

Other acceptable graphs/diagrammatic representations are:

Other ways of representing date e.g. from an interview.

Interview Question: How can online education be made most effective?

Committed to Excellence || Unlock Your Inner Genius

 Basically summarize you diagrammatic representations.

YOUNG GENIUS TUTORING SERVICE || 1 (876) 501 1966 || [email protected]

Committed to Excellence || Unlock Your Inner Genius

CONCLUSION, LIMITATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

 Answer the aim/purpose of the research

 What were some challenges you faced

Committed to Excellence || Unlock Your Inner Genius

 How do you suggest fixing this problem?

YOUNG GENIUS TUTORING SERVICE || 1 (876) 501 1966 || [email protected]

Committed to Excellence || Unlock Your Inner Genius

YOUNG GENIUS TUTORING SERVICE || 1 (876) 501 1966 || [email protected]

Committed to Excellence || Unlock Your Inner Genius

YOUNG GENIUS TUTORING SERVICE || 1 (876) 501 1966 || [email protected]

Committed to Excellence || Unlock Your Inner Genius

 Include your references

Health. High Focus Centers.

YOUNG GENIUS TUTORING SERVICE || 1 (876) 501 1966 || [email protected]

Committed to Excellence || Unlock Your Inner Genius

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