Assessing the Effectiveness of Online Information and Communication Technology Instruction for Grade 9 Students in a Private School in Manila, Philippines

The COVID-19 pandemic drastically altered educational practices in the Philippines, compelling a shift from traditional face-to-face instruction to online learning. This transition posed significant challenges for teachers, students, administrators, and other stakeholders as they adapted to the new normal. Since the first reported case of COVID-19 on January 21, 2020, the country has experienced months of lockdowns and strict health protocols, affecting various sectors including education. Subjects traditionally taught in physical classrooms, such as Math, Science, Filipino, and ICT (Information and Communication Technology), faced particular difficulties in this online environment. This study focuses on the effectiveness of teaching ICT, specifically the topic of Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), in an online format. ICT is typically taught in computer laboratories where teachers can demonstrate processes in real-time, a practice that is challenging to replicate online. CSS, which involves designing websites using HTML and CSS codes, requires a structured, step-by-step approach that is difficult to convey without direct, hands-on guidance. This research aims to evaluate whether online instruction can effectively replace traditional methods in teaching ICT, despite the inherent challenges. The findings will contribute to understanding the efficacy of online education in maintaining the quality of instruction for complex, skills-based subjects during the pandemic.