Effect of the Online Global Classroom Collaboration and Students’ Proficiency in Southeast Asian Arts

This study aims to examine the effect of online global collaboration on the learning outcomes of Grade 7 students in Southeast Asian arts at General Santos City SPED Integrated School. Globalization and digitalization are reshaping education, creating both opportunities and challenges in preserving Southeast Asian arts. Many young learners are losing connection to their artistic heritage due to the dominance of modern entertainment and limited cultural exposure in traditional classrooms. To address this, online global classroom collaboration can enhance students' proficiency in Southeast Asian arts while developing 21st-century skills such as digital literacy, cultural awareness, and cross-cultural communication. This study used a quasi-experimental research design involving Grade 7 PLA (Personalized Learning Approach) and Grade 7 SPA (Special Program in the Arts) students from General Santos City SPED Integrated School. The experimental group (G7 PLA students) participated in online collaborations with students from other countries, while the control group (G7 SPA students) followed traditional classroom instruction. A purposive sampling method was used to select respondents. Data were collected through pretests and post-tests, classroom observations, and a researcher-made questionnaire measuring motivation, engagement, and communication skills.Findings revealed that students in the experimental group (G7 PLA students) showed significant improvement in cross-cultural communication, motivation, and engagement. Their post-test scores were notably higher than those of the control group, indicating the effectiveness of online collaboration in enhancing their learning experience.The study highlights the potential of integrating online collaboration in arts education to foster cultural appreciation and engagement. Educational institutions should adopt blended learning approaches and provide teacher training in digital pedagogy to support effective online instruction.