Will there be distance learning in 2021

2024 Author: James Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 14:00

The second wave of coronavirus in the fall has raised the issue of distance learning. Along with COVID-19, in the autumn-winter period, there is a surge in ODS, influenza, the epidemiological situation is deteriorating. The answer, whether there will be distance learning in 2021, depends, first of all, on the number of sick children, the situation in a particular region.

Possible transition to distance learning in schools

Distance learning, like strict quarantine, is an extreme measure. If, in the conditions of the first wave of coronavirus, the governments of most countries have gone on tough restrictions, now they are considering the feasibility of such forms of quarantine. This is due to the study of the experience of states that have limited themselves to preventive measures in the fight against COVID-19.

Now more is known about the coronavirus. The first Russian vaccines appeared. The infection is extremely dangerous, but most children and adolescents carry it mildly.

Epidemiologists believe that the wave of the disease will decline sharply when the population develops massive immunity, that is, 60–70% of the population will get sick.

The danger of the situation is that a massive surge in morbidity may occur that exceeds the epidemiological threshold. Based on these findings, the Ministry of Education is considering various scenarios:

1. Full transition to distance learning in case of significant excess of the epidemiological threshold.
2. Combined version, combining partial distance learning with full-time.
3. The introduction of strict sanitary norms and rules, full-time training.

Next year, the situation with possible distance learning will depend on morbidity statistics.

Preparatory measures for a possible transition to distance learning

Taking into account a possible negative scenario, the Ministry of Education in May 2020 developed a decree, which stated that schools should be ready for a possible transition to distance learning.

The preparation went in the following directions:

1. Strengthening the material and technical base. Purchase of computer equipment, software.
2. Expansion of the methodological base. For example, the “My School Online” service has been developed and launched for all classes. The “inverted classroom” technique is being introduced, when children study the material themselves, and work with a teacher remotely on practical assignments.
3. The introduction of strict sanitary norms and rules. Treatment of premises, hands with sanitizers, ventilation, use of masks, daily temperature check in children and others.
4. Reformatting of the timetable of lessons, the end of the school year for different classes. To avoid large crowds of children at recess, the schedule is shifted so that classes go out for recess at different times. They recommend keeping a distance, limiting the number of students to 15 in each class.

The Ministry of Education correctly comments on the topic of whether there will be distance learning in 2021, taking into account the contradictory attitude towards it on the part of teachers, parents and children. Provide greater freedom to choose the right solution in the current situation for the regional authorities.

The latest news from the capital reports that the Moscow mayor's office has made a decision: from November 9 to 22, from 1 to 5th grades and 11th grades, they will go to schools, and from 6th to 10th grades, they will study remotely.

The management of universities has the right to independently decide on the forms of education. Some institutions are switching to blended learning, junior courses are taught full-time, senior students are taught remotely. 152 (out of more than 1270 in Russia) educational institutions have completely switched to "distance learning". Reformat streaming course lectures where all groups gather.

Pros and cons of distance learning

In the opinion of experts (teachers, psychologists, sanitary doctors), “distance learning” has its positive and negative sides. So, the head of children's health (NMIC) V. Kuchma, on the basis of surveys, concluded that distance learning negatively affects the psychological background of children and adolescents.

At this age, peer communication is an important factor in the development of a child. Disadvantages of distance learning:

• the load on self-study increases;
• a long stay at the computer negatively affects the physiological development, vision of children;
• responsibility for learning, control is shifted to the shoulders of the parents;
• if parents are busy at work, children are often left unattended;
• the load on the teacher increases.

Positive sides:

• the possibility of contracting coronavirus is minimized;
• children learn to independently find materials for teaching, analyze them;
• the possibilities of the learning process are significantly expanded.

Taking into account all the pros and cons of distance learning, in an epidemic, a mixed form of study can be considered optimal. For the remote form of education, specialists have developed a special regulation for conducting lessons, a schedule of breaks between them for different age categories. These norms are set out in new recommendations, rules that will come into force from January 2021.

Outcomes

Full distance learning in 2021 may be introduced if the permissible epidemiological threshold of morbidity is exceeded. A number of restrictive measures are currently being taken to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

The government and the Ministry of Education are inclined towards the option of mixed forms of education, when children study partly at school and partly at home. The rights of regional authorities have been expanded in terms of reaction to decision-making depending on the epidemiological situation. The remote form of work, as part of the educational process, should be integrated into the school system after overcoming the epidemic.