INNOVATION

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected education in many ways, but one change that has affected students globally is the use of technological devices. Remote learning is not something new, it has been in use for many years for students who can not attend in-person classes; due to illnesses, other jobs, family decisions, etc. Remote learning was previously something optional, and not very common, but during this pandemic it became much more important as it was the only safe way to offer classes to the students while protecting them from the virus. The jump from in-person to remote classes affected students all over the world; it affected their studies, their social life, and their mental health. In some cases, students were not able to attend remote learning at all. 

To understand remote learning and the use of technological devices, we have to understand how it differs from in-person learning and what effects this has on students. These include, losing all in-person social interactions, spending hours in front of a screen, lack of support from friends or teachers, etc. These effects are increased, for example, when a student’s home is not safe, or when there is no wifi connection at their home, or there is not enough space for them to have their on-line class and do their work.

Additionally, in refugee camps, 370 million children are facing food insecurity and, also, instead of experiencing a safe environment at school, children and youth are more vulnerable to sexual and gender-based violence and abuse at home (COVID-19: UN and Partners Work).