In todays globalization and rapid technological advancements, dramatic changes have been happening in higher education, (e.g. the dearth of resources). For classroom based instruction, the development of the open and distance learning philosophy, the need to service, the needs of adult learners and many other factors which are the reality in the Philippines today [1]. As a consequence, higher education institutions have been increasingly flexible to adjust their delivery system in an effort to respond to this challenges. Distance Education (DE) has emerged as a legitimate alternative learning system (ALS) to the more traditional educational system in a number of higher education institution (HEI) in the Philippines. In addition, the importance of e-learning is widely recognized as a mean to enhance accessibility and quality of teaching learning process [2] [3]. E-learning is viewed as a tool for providing opportunities for marginalized and disadvantaged students or who are unable to attend classes due to physical, social and economic constraints (ibid). A wider range of students can be reached anytime and anywhere provided that the Internet connection is available, therefore increasing the number of school-age children who access to education system [3]. Demand for e-learning in the Philippines is gaining attention. In terms of growth rate in e-learning, the study places the Philippines at seventh. The country joins Azerbaijan, Thailand, Kenya, Slovakia and India with growth rates of between 30 percent and 35 percent[4].
In addition, the global industry have shown increased in number of individuals,
corporations and institutions turning into e-learning as they recognize their effectiveness and its convenience. It has been expected to reach $ 107 billion by 2015 [5]. In a recent survey of 1,021 experts, 60% agreed that by 2020 there will be mass adoption of teleconferencing and distance learningOn average, students in online learning conditions performed better than those receiving face-to-face instruction Steve Lohr [6]. At some point, some colleges and universities in the Philippines offers distance learning that allows student to study online. These universities are using virtual learning environment (VLE) to minimize time effort, cost and promote sustainable and effective technological and pedagogical learning environment for students and instructors. In the Philippines, out of 112 only 18 State Universities and Colleges (SUC) are offering distance learning that is 16.07% and Sultan Kudarat State University is not included in the list [7]. One of the unique characteristics of public HEIs in the Philippines is that they are mandated to expand access to quality higher education among lower income and disadvantaged groups [8], Public HEIs in the Philippines are non-secular entities classified as State Universities and Colleges (SUC) or Local Colleges and Universities (LCU). SUCs are funded by the national government through the Philippines Congress while LCU were run by local government units. Both SUC and LCU may exist in a given region in the Philippines. However, the condition of regional public HEI in the Philippines is significantly different from larger universities and colleges across the country; heavily
dominated private institutions and the National University (UP). The institution examined in this study is a regional public HEI [9].
Knutson, T. J., Komolsevin, R., Chatiketu, P., & Smith, V. R. (2003)A cross-cultural comparison of Thai and US American rhetorical sensitivity: implications for intercultural communication effectiveness