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The Line between Online and Modular: Onset of the Distance Learning Amidst Pandemic
Abstract
ABSTRACT: As the COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease of 2019) struck the Philippines, educational institutions were among the severely affected sectors in the society. This led the Department of Education to adapt the learning continuity plan to continue learning despite the ongoing pandemic. This study investigated the experiences of the grade 7 Araling Panlipunan, Asian Studies teacher, student, and parent during the Implementation of the Distance Learning Modality in the School year 2020-2021 in a secondary school in Metro Manila, Philippines. As a result, the study discovered that the teacher participant currently handles both modular and online distance learning which generates distinct experiences. This also generated challenges such as lack of rapport with the students and their parents. On the other hand, challenges that include access to gadgets and stable internet, and difficulty in coping with the schedule made the learner participant transfer from ODL (Online Distance Learning) to the MDL (Modular Distance Learning). However, the learner participant still utilizes online learning materials as one of the strategies to cope with the inadequacy and difficulty of the SLM (Self-Learning Modules). Moreover, parents play a significant role as they are the provider of the student’s needs and they serve as a para-teacher in the absence of the teacher`s guide. The teacher, students, parents and other stakeholders should build a strong communication channel to respond to their needs, to deliver meaningful and effective learning during the implementation of distance learning.
KEY WORDS: Modular and Online Distance Learning; Grade 7; Self-Regulated Learning.
About the Authors: Marc Lorence N. Bisda, Aliel Kyla P. Lana and Nerissa S. Tantengco, Ph.D. are Lecturers at the PNU (Philippine Normal University) in Manila, Philippines. For academic purposes, the Authors are able to be contacted via e-mail at: tantengco.ns@pnu.edu.ph
Suggested Citation: Bisda, Marc Lorence N., Aliel Kyla P. Lana & Nerissa S. Tantengco. (2026). “The Line between Online and Modular: Onset of the Distance Learning Amidst Pandemic” in EDUCARE: International Journal for Educational Studies, Volume 18(2), February, pp.177-200. Bandung, West Java, Indonesia: Minda Masagi Suci Foundation and ASPENSI with ISSN 1979-7877 (print) and ISSN 2621-587X (online).
Article Timeline: Accepted (December 25, 2025); Revised (January 17, 2026); and Published (February 15, 2026).
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.2121/edu-ijes.v18i2.1536
DOI (PDF): https://doi.org/10.2121/edu-ijes.v18i2.1536.g1256
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