International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume V, Issue XI, November 2021 | ISSN 2454–6186

Students’ Personal Stories: Modular Distance Learning First Experiences in the New Normal

 Marjorie P. Caslib¹, Ronald S. Decano^2
1Graduate Student, Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Management, Davao del Norte State College, Philippines
²Dean, Institute of Advanced Studies, Davao del Norte State College, Philippines

Abstract – The pandemic has altered the lives and activities of people all across the world in ways that no one could have predicted. The once-in-a-lifetime circumstance presented both problems and opportunities to all segments of the community and society. The key purpose of this descriptive qualitative phenomenological study is to explore the personal stories of students in the modular distance learning first experiences in SY 2020-2021. Insights, opinions, and ideas were sought from six (6) low performing students through Key Informant Interview. Considering the lockdown problems, data were gathered through phone calls, and video calls and were recorded, transcribed, coded analyzed, and categorized responses into themes. Five emergent themes were generated, are as follow: (1) Poor reading comprehension level (2) Lack alternative learning materials (3) No strict daily learning routine (4) No constant communication from parents and teachers for support (5) Unmotivated learning system at home. Findings revealed that the most difficult experiences met by students are the lack of comprehension and insufficient learning resources. With these findings, the school administrator and teachers should provide necessary learning strategies and alternative resources to increase learners’ performance.

Key words- Students’ stories, Modular Distance Learning, New normal

I. INTRODUCTION

The pandemic has changed people’s lives and activities in unexpected ways, according to DepEd. The once-in-a-lifetime event brought challenges and opportunities to all segments of society.
The COVID-19 pandemic has indeed brought worries and fears especially in t the health risk of the people worldwide. It affects the lives of hundreds and thousands of people and also leave a great blow to our educational landscape. With the efforts to cope the global pandemic, quarantine methods are strengthened to slow down the outbreak. Education leaders worldwide have been looking for ways how quality education can be carried out amidst the situation. “Education must continue”—this phrase becomes the Department’s battle cry to push that learning must never cease even in this difficult time.
To go with this advocacy, different learning modalities have been introduced to the field, which at first caused anxieties and apprehensions to teachers, students, and parents. Although these modalities have long been used as alternative delivery modes in other countries, their acceptance here in the Philippines became generally challenging as they receive tons of criticisms in the social and mainstream media.