Philippine E-Journals

The Impact of Blended Distance Learning Implementation in Apayao: Preliminary Evidence and Implications

Kristoffer Paulo L. Ramirez | Vinza E. Acob | Marlene S. Turingan

 

Abstract:

The study aimed at providing preliminary evidence on the first-year implementation of blended distance learning (BDL) in the province of Apayao by utilizing a self-made questionnaire with predetermined positive and negative experiences focusing on the content to be learned, the skills tobe mastered, the instructional strategy of the teachers, the assessment procedures undertaken, and the platforms used to ensure the transfer of learning provided, accessed, and answered online. With 343 respondents across the 6 schools that adopted the modality, 63.8% of the respondents experienced stress and difficulties learning the required content, and 52.2%agreed with the need for the physical presence of the teacher to facilitate thelearning process. With this need, 60.6% use social media tools to contact their teachers whenever they have problems with their learning activities. Beyond these, however, 44.3% of the respondents experienced less pressure because of the extended time to finish the given learning task, often done through online research (62.4%). Aside from the demographic profile possibly affecting the experiences of the students, acclimatization of the students, teachers, and school played a big role in delivering quality remote learning and ensuring learning continuity at the height of the pandemic.