Rationalizing the Root of Rudeness: Triggers of Impoliteness in Online Comments Towards Department of Education and Its Learning Delivering Modalities During the Pandemic
Christian Jay R. Pasana | Virgion H. Mamonong | Henry E. Lemana II
Discipline: Education
Abstract:
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines underwent
significant changes in its pedagogical approach to adapt to the prevailing circumstances.
Implementing new Learning Delivery Modalities (LDMs) was a response to the exigencies of the
time. However, DepEd and its LDMs were not exempt from online criticism, particularly
impoliteness comments, which proliferated across various social media platforms. This qualitative
study employed a thematic content analysis approach to explore the triggers of impoliteness in 50
randomly selected comments from Facebook that were sampled using a quota sampling technique.
Findings reveal four significant themes: frustration and discontent with education modalities,
perceived inefficiency and incompetence, emotional impact and helplessness, and political frustration
and dissatisfaction. Generally, the findings of this study indicate that a range of factors drives
individuals to express impoliteness in online comments. This study emphasizes the need to address
challenges in remote learning, improve leadership and decision- making, support emotional wellbeing, and prioritize education as a fundamental societal pillar. These implications can guide efforts
to create a more effective and supportive education system. Other implications are delineated for
educational institutions, policymakers, online communities, and future researchers.
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