Use of Digital Platforms in Teaching Kindergarten Learners during the Covid-19 Pandemic

The continuity program of the education sector of the Philippines aims to continue learning despite all the pandemic restrictions. This research determined the use of digital platforms for the learning application of kindergarten learners during the COVID-19 pandemic to the identified private schools in the City of Naga Division using a mixed research method employing the quantitative and qualitative research design. Respondents answered an adapted survey questionnaire and an interview guide was used to gather the qualitative data. Gathered data were treated using frequency, percentage, weighted mean, chi-square, and thematic analysis. The study reveals that most teacher respondents aged above 26 years old were all females, all married, and attained the highest educational attainment up to the master’s level. The teachers' perceptions of using digital platforms in the learning environment, classroom activities, learners' applications, and assessments revealed that these digital platforms were moderately useful. Moreover, no significant relationship exists between the respondents' profiles and the extent of the use of digital platforms in teaching kindergarten learners. Finally, the issues and concerns the respondents encountered in using digital platforms in teaching kindergarten learners during the COVID-19 pandemic gathered during the interview include slow internet connection, lack of ICT facilities in school, and lack of teacher training. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the action plans crafted for each school be implemented, with a focus on improving internet connectivity, providing ICT facilities, and enhancing teacher training.