Experiences and Perceptions of Distance Learning among Early Childhood Pre-service Teachers in Korea during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the experiences and perceptions of distance learning among early childhood pre-service teachers in Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been spreading worldwide since early 2020. A total of 196 early childhood pre-service teachers with experience in distance learning participated in the survey, and the results of the survey are as follows. While early childhood pre-service teachers perceived a difference between face-to-face (in-person) classes and distance learning, they expressed a high willingness to take part in distance learning in the post-COVID-19 era. Convenience and usefulness were mentioned as key advantages of distance learning, while difficulties in interaction and concentration were emphasised as disadvantages. To improve the quality of distance learning in the future, they suggested that students should increase participation, while instructors should strengthen their distance learning-related capabilities and universities should enhance support through system development. The implications of this study were discussed based on these results.