Abstract

Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic greatly affected the education system and led West Visayas State University-Himamaylan City Campus to modular distance learning. The purpose of this study is to find out the challenges of elementary-pre-service teachers in the use of modular distance learning modality. It employed a qualitative-phenomenological approach deemed most applicable in discovering students' lived experiences in modular distance learning modality amidst the pandemic. The participants of the study were the ten (10) Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEEd) students on the Campus. Two semi-structured interviews were conducted using an interview guide was used in this study. The trustworthiness of the data collected was established through triangulation and member checking. It was discovered that students have difficulty understanding the modules, trouble connecting to the internet, complications in managing time, obstacles in retrieving and submitting the modules, and endure uncomfortable learning places. Considering that face-to-face mode is slowly returning to normal, it is recommended that teachers teach students how to work collaboratively with their peers and manage their time efficiently.