This entry from an e-mail newsletter was brought to our attention recently:
Online education’s mental health issues and decline in social learning — such as sharing and taking turns — during this health crisis are worrisome, but 63% of respondents to a recent survey say online learning ultimately will yield positive results, Jay Wilson of the University of Saskatchewan reports in a radio interview. The benefits have included reduced bullying, increased flexibility and better pinpointing of inequities and supports needed, Wilson says.Full Story: CBC News (Canada) (4/4)
Some of the highlights outlined in the news article:
- A recent University of Saskatchewan survey is exploring the effect of remote learning on students during the pandemic, and it appears remote learning may have positives and negative effects long after the pandemic.
- Fifty-four per cent of those surveyed believe there will be negative long-term impacts on children’s education from the pandemic, the survey suggested.
- when asked specifically about online learning, 63 per cent saw it having a positive long-term change.
- Wilson said he’s been noticing positives for some students such as less bullying and less of a need to fit in.
- People are learning how to support students better, what supports are needed, if assistive technology supports, mental health supports are necessary and more.
- the pandemic has taught educators and families alike that they need to look at families holistically, not children individually.
The article described the study as:
The survey findings were part of the ‘Taking the Pulse of Canada’ national survey conducted by the University of Saskatchewan’s Canadian Hub for Applied and Social Research (CHASR). From March 1 to March 19, 1,002 random landline and cellphone calls were made and people across Canada were asked what long-term impacts they perceived COVID-19 will have across 15 different categories. The findings have a margin of error of +/- 3.1% nationally (19 times out of 20).
The actual study or report or anything related to this research really was not posted to the CHASR as of noon Pacific today.