ISSN: 2782-893X
eISSN: 2799-0664
ISSN: 2782- 893X
— The COVID-19 pandemic has brought remarkable changes in the entire humanity. Education suffered a tremendous transformation to cater the demand of the new normal. Distance learning modality was adapted to continue the school operation though; this modality is still under observation and needs to be studied. Accordingly, this study is sought to determine the barriers of distance learning modality in the new normal. A quantitative research design with the aid of the survey questionnaire is used in the study. It is concluded that barriers of distance learning modality do not affect the student’s academic performance. However, the financial distress, lack of training and support, mental health difficulties, poor internet connectivity, limited technological tools, lack of skill on online learning platforms, mobility restrictions, community lockdowns, and power interruptions are alarming concerns of the students. Hence, the study recommends that the government shall provide assistance such as internet connectivity, gadgets and, other educational supplies for students’ sustainable learning. In addition, the school through the guidance office will create a plan to counsel students who suffered stress and depression brought by the pandemic. They should initiate basic training-workshop about ICT to teach the students on how to properly utilize the online platforms (e.g. Facebook Messenger, Zoom, Google). Lastly, teachers must have to organize at least weekly meeting to monitor student’s progress. Keywords — COVID-19 Pandemic, Distance Learning, Barriers of Distance Learning, financial distress, and mental health difficulties