Experiences of Students on Modular Learning Amidst the Pandemic

Researchers:

Ozzy C. Zalun

Angela De Asis

Paul Marvin Baggayan

Ronald Lorenzo

John Montillia
 Chapter I

The Problem and Its Background

A. Overview or Background of the Study

According to (Llego, 2021), Modular Distance Learning involves individualized instruction

that allows learners to use self-learning modules (SLMs) in print or digital format/electronic

copy, whichever is applicable in the context of the learner, and other learning resources like

Learner’s Materials, textbooks, activity sheets, study guides, and other study materials. Learners

access electronic copies of learning materials on a computer, tablet PC, or smartphone. CDs,

DVDs, USB storage, and computer-based applications can all be used to deliver e-learning

materials, including offline E-books. The teacher takes the responsibility of monitoring the

progress of the learners. The learners may ask assistance from the teacher via e-mail, telephone,

text message/instant messaging, etc. Where possible, the teacher shall do home visits to learners

needing remediation or assistance. Any member of the family or other stakeholder in the

community needs to serve as a para-teachers.

On the other hand, the modular distance learning addresses these issues at it provides more

flexible and inclusive access to education. This asynchronous modality allows students to move

at their own pace and requires students to continually complete assessments while delivering a

learning experience that does not depend on face-to-face interaction with the teacher and their

fellow students. Numerous studies discuss the experiences of teachers and students in using

distance learning as instructional modality during the COVID-19 pandemic. 1) Personal

obstacles from weak motivation to distance learning and the experiencing of understanding some

subjects in the absence of classroom interaction and direct learning; (IJERE, 2021)

All teachers conducted survey to the parents as to their best choice of modality. Options were

provided to parents as to how their school children can continue their studies but learning

through printed and digital modules emerged as the most preferred distance learning method by

most of the parents. Several recommendations were gathered. But since internet connection is the

main problem in some places, MODULAR DISTANCE LEARNING was then born.

Based on data gathered via DepEd’s National Learner Enrolment and Survey Forms

(LESFs), 8.8 million out of the 22.2 million enrollees (39.6% of total respondents) preferred

modular distance learning for the upcoming school year.

The key purpose of this research is to determine the Experiences of Students on Modular

Learning amidst the Pandemic. This research study is very timely as we face the continuity of the

ongoing pandemic. Also, this study aims to ascertain the methods, interventions, or solutions of

every educational institution as well as the government in providing assistance to students,

parents and teachers who are handling certain experiences in this new learning modality.

B. Research Question

General Problem:

The study aims to determine the experiences of the students on modular learning amidst

the pandemic.

Specifically, it seeks to answer the following questions:

1 What are the experiences of the respondents on modular learning amidst the pandemic?
 2. How do the experiences of the respondents on modular learning amidst pandemic

affect them?

3. How do the respondents handle such experience on modular learning amidst the

pandemic?

C. Scope and Delimitation

This study only aims to determine the Experiences of Students on Modular Learning

amidst the Pandemic. The data collection will be conducted in May 2022 at Maddarulug

Norte, Enrile, Cagayan. An interview will be done through Facebook Messenger

application call and phone call in case the respondent doesn’t have mobile data or Wi-Fi

on the selected students for the completion of the study.

D. Significance of the Study

1. Students: This research study will help the students by giving them knowledge about

the possible effect of using modular learning and to know how they will cope up and

how they can manage their time in answering their modules.

2. Teachers: The results of the study will let the teachers be informed about the

experiences of students on modular learning amidst the pandemic and determine what

necessary actions should be done.

3. Administration: The results of the study shall serve as a tool for them to develop

new ways to help the students learn in an easy and comfortable way.

4. Parents: This study encourages them in comprehending their children's situation,

guiding, and supporting them.

5. Future Researchers: They can make use of this study as background information for

their research, as well as to gather information on students' experiences with Modular

Learning.
 Chapter II

Review on Related Literature

Related Literature

Corona Virus 2019 Pandemic

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2

virus.

Most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness
and recover without requiring special treatment. However, some will become seriously ill and
require medical attention. Older people and those with underlying medical conditions like
cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, or cancer are more likely to develop
serious illness. Anyone can get sick with COVID-19 and become seriously ill or die at any age. 

The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is to be well informed about the
disease and how the virus spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection by staying at least 1
metre apart from others, wearing a properly fitted mask, and washing your hands or using an
alcohol-based rub frequently. Get vaccinated when it’s your turn and follow local guidance.

The virus can spread from an infected person’s mouth or nose in small liquid particles
when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing or breathe. These particles range from larger respiratory
droplets to smaller aerosols. It is important to practice respiratory etiquette, for example by
coughing into a flexed elbow, and to stay home and self-isolate until you recover if you feel
unwell.

Modular Distance Learning amidst the Pandemic

What is modular distance learning?

 It is a form of learning delivery modality developed by The Department of Education
(DepEd) in which learning takes place without physical interaction between teachers and
learners. Distant learning is best suited to independent learners and students with the help of
parents, relatives, or family members. Students enrolled in modular distance learning can use
self-learning modules (SLM) that are either printed or available in digital format to supplement
their studies. Meanwhile, teachers monitor and guide students' progress through e-mail, text
messages, instant messaging (chat), or telephone. Meanwhile, a parent or guardian is considered
the "Para Teacher" who will guide the learner on their studies.

What are the other alternatives for modular distance learning?

The Department of Education (DepEd) provided other alternatives for modular distance
learning. Students can also enroll in the blended learning approach. It combines various learning
delivery modalities such as online distance learning, modular distance learning, and
television/radio-based instruction to provide a more comprehensive learning strategy. DepEd
developed these learning delivery modalities to provide a means of continuing education in the
Philippines amidst the pandemic.

What are the challenges students facing modular distance learning?

It has been a year since the Department of Education (DepEd) implemented the distance
learning modality for students due to the pandemic. While this type of learning is beneficial to
students because it helps prevent the spread of COVID-19 disease, students also face several
difficulties. One of these is the lack of reliable internet connectivity. We know that the internet is
used by students for research, but it is difficult to access it in remote and far-flung areas,
especially if there is no network signal. As a result, students must still find a location away from
their homes to connect to the internet and conduct research.
 This goes against the purpose of distance learning, which is to allow students to study
without leaving their homes. Some students, however, are forced to leave their homes because of
a lack of internet access. Aside from the internet, other difficulties include the learning
environment, the availability of gadgets (for the online learners), the learner's ability to
concentrate, and lack of socialization.

What are the parents' roles in modular distance learning?

A parent or legal guardian acts as a mentor to their children who are enrolled under
modular distance learning. As soon as the children receive their self-learning modules, their
parents should assist them in understanding them. According to the DepEd, they are also
responsible for picking up and delivering the modules to and from schools at the start and end of
each week. This ensures that minimal health standards are always followed.

They should also go through the learner's weekly learning plan to avoid submission
delays that might negatively impact their grades. Parents and guardians must ensure that their
children complete their self-learning modules and have finished answering all the questions.
Parents must also offer a productive learning environment for their children to devote more time
to study.

How does modular distance learning work?

The Department of Education's modular distance learning approach works on a four-step

process (4Ps) which are: pagkuha (distribution), paggamit (application), pagtutok (monitoring),
at pagbalik (submission).

1. Distribution
 The self-learning module should be picked up by the parents or legal guardians either at
the school or a predetermined pick-up point. Once the modules are picked up by the parents or
legal guardians, they should be distributed to the learners.

2. Application

The learner is responsible for completing the activities contained in the modules in their
own unique manner of learning them. They can complete the task on their modules with the
module's help and other reference materials such as a guide. Learners can also seek assistance
from their parents, family members, and other relatives. Learners can also contact their teacher
via e-mail, messenger, or text message to ask questions.

3. Monitoring

Through a monitoring checklist provided by the school, Para teachers can monitor and
assist learners in completing tasks on their modules. It will be used to determine which subjects
the students have already completed. In addition, the teacher or class adviser will keep track of
their progress. The teachers may communicate with the parents or legal guardians through text
message, FB messenger, and home visitation.

4. Submission

Once the learner completes all their lessons in the modules, the parents or legal guardians
are responsible for returning the modules to the school or drop-off locations. They should bring it
back to the class adviser or teacher by the end of the week. Parents and legal guardians must also
ensure that the learner completes all the tasks in each module.

Conclusion

Modular distance learning (MDL) encourages students to conduct their own research and
self-study. Due to the fact that education is no longer confined to the classroom, parents and
legal guardians assume the role of Para teachers, assisting students with their modules and
ensuring they receive appropriate guidance.

Modular distance education is required because it is the most effective method of

educating students during the pandemic. Local government units (LGUs) may assist the
Department of Education in implementing the aforementioned learning modality through a
variety of means, including the establishment of barangay learning centers with internet
connectivity and research equipment. This type of learning center is ideal for students who want
to study in a quiet environment with easy access to the internet to conduct research and learn
independently. Additionally, LGUs may provide free Wi-Fi access to learners only.

Related Studies

In a study conducted by Caslib, M. & Decano, R. (June 2021) entitled Students' Personal Stories:
Modular Distance Learning First Experiences in the New Normal, they stated that:

The Module Distance Learning responds to the call for education among students who
preferred the traditional way of learning prior to the Learners Enrollment and Survey Form.
Teachers hand over the printed modules to the learners' parents or guardians based on the school
class schedule. After several readings of data collected, examined, and investigated, it can be
concluded that.

Teachers have a great role in improving the reading problems of low-performing

students. A dedicated and committed teacher has a great contribution to the students' academic
life, especially in improving their reading comprehension. They are recommended to be active
online most of the time to address some parents and students' sentiments and be patient enough
to attend to the needs and urgent response to the queries concerning learning difficulty.
Resources within the locality are available not always in the form of online resources, but the
help from the community and other stakeholders.
 Students need to follow the activities in Weekly Home Learning Plan to finish the tasks
in the module. Students have their learning styles that they find beneficial. Because assignments
are completed at their own pace, kids develop a sense of responsibility. The teacher can assess
the learners` needs and make some interventions, when necessary, using an Individual learning
Monitoring Plan.

Parental Guidance is necessary in increasing students' performance. On this severe

change in the educational setting produced by the covid 19 Pandemic crisis, parent support is the
most important aspect contributing to the success of the school's attempts to increase the reading
potential of every struggling reader. Make learning activities at home that are enjoyable.
 Chapter I

Research Methodology

A. Research Design

The researchers used qualitative approach as its research design, specifically a narrative

approach is used to to determine the experiences of students on modular learning amidst the

pandemic.

B. Sampling Procedure and Samples

The respondents of this study are the Senior High School students of Enrile Vocational High

School from Maddarulug Norte, Enrile, Cagayan. This study will use Simple Random sampling

method as Sampling procedure.