We’re still working to understand the full extent of the impact on children and teachers, though.
The pandemic’s beginning saw teachers and children thrust into distance learning at short notice.
COVID-19 had reached the United States and was spreading at lightning speed.
These conditions certainly aren’t ideal, and the effects on teachers and children are significant.
Many lacked software and programs to support fully virtual classrooms.
And in many cases, teachers were left to fill in the gaps.
However, teachers who were familiar with educational technology still struggled.
The digital divide played a large part in students ability to even show up on a daily basis.
Many of them lacked access to devices and reliable internet, leading to student absenteeism and disengagement.
Naturally, this gave rise to deep concerns about learning loss from both teachers and parents.
It didnt take long for them to question the impact of the virtual environment on academic outcomes.
This isnt entirely a surprise when you put it in the context of students lived experiences.
Theyre missing numeracy, literacy, social skills, and many are experiencing post-traumatic stress.
Secondary students have similar deficiencies.
However, theres more at play than the abrupt shift to virtual classrooms.
Theres a lot of instability in the learning environment in general.
Outbreaks in the classroom leave students without the consistency that is the foundation for student success.
Still, they dont have the same preparation and experience in many cases.
Add that to thecamera fatigueand social isolation they’re experiencing, and you have a recipe for disaster.
Furthermore, the virtual environment deprives children of thesocial and emotional benefits of in-person parameters.
It’s important to factor insocial and emotional considerationsas well as academic considerations."
Its important to factor in social and emotional considerations as well as academic considerations.
Teachers are reaching their wit’s end.
At the beginning of the pandemic, they were touted as heroes.
“Teachers are overwhelmed, depleted, and often don’t have the resources they need.
Without intervention and an end in sight for the pandemic, matters may get even worse.
The Pandemic Rages On
The negative impact of the pandemic on the education system is undeniable.
Teachers, students, and parents are all struggling with mental health concerns and increased stress.
Until it ends, theyre all at the mercy of these circumstances.
Children can also benefit from their parents help to keep up academically in the meantime.
After all, research shows that students perform better when their parents are engaged in their schooling.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
2021;57(1):101-110. doi:10.1007/s10597-020-00728-y
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.History of 1918 Flu Pandemic.
2021;81:102326. doi:10.1016/j.ijedudev.2020.102326
National Education Association.NEA survey finds educators back in classrooms and ready for fall.
RAND Corporation.Job-Related Stress Threatens the Teacher Supply: Key Findings from the 2021 State of the U.S.
Published online January 18, 2021:1-28. doi:10.1007/s11150-020-09540-9
