Enhancing conceptual understanding and environmental literacy using online learning modules on ecological systems

The threats of environmental problems need humanity’s urgent attention and action. To solve these problems, the promotion of Environmental Literacy is needed. Moreover, schools are mandated to be innovative and resourceful in delivering quality, accessible and relevant education amidst COVID-19. With this, the researcher tested if the use of Online Learning Modules would help improve the practice of teaching ecological systems, improve the students’ conceptual understanding, and environmental literacy in the new normal on education. The Online Learning Modules on Ecological Systems (OLMES) was designed, developed, and validated to teach Grade 6 students (n=60). Results revealed that students’ conceptual understanding on ecological systems significantly changed after the exposure to online learning modules (t = 21.81) with a large effect size (d=3.07). Improvement on students’ environmental literacy was also evident after the implementation of the study. This is supported by the increased scores on the different variables on environmental literacy survey (ecological knowledge t=12.49, verbal commitment t=5.38, environmental sensitivity t=2.55, environmental feelings t= 3.82, issue analysis and action planning t=13.11; and actual commitment t=4.45). Classroom observations and students’ responses on interviews and reflection log signified that the conceptual understanding and environmental literacy of the students had improved after the implementation. Therefore, the use of OLMES had helped on the improvement of teaching practices which resulted to a better conceptual understanding and environmental literacy of students