The challenge of distance learning at High School in the time of COVID-19

Abstract

The COVID-19 crisis and the consequent implementation of Italian school closure in March 2020 has forced thousands of teachers and students to a sudden shift from in person to distance learning. Much of the school work that was originally planned for the classroom had to be delivered online, creating several challenges for the subjects involved in the educational process. In this study many issues concerning this new methodology are explored, such as access to digital technology, school workload, teaching strategies and learners’ physical and mental health. The aim of this research is to investigate how the transition to distance learning impacted on education in an Italian High School of Art during the first months of the pandemic. Data on teachers, students and students’ families perception towards the new distance education context are also analyzed. Results indicated that although students, their families and teachers prefer the traditional face-to-face teaching environment, overall, on line schooling produced a positive outcome. The findings improve understanding concerning the acceptance and management of distance learning and this work is therefore of particular interest to teachers, educators and principals. As obstacles remain, specific studies on High School online instruction are suggested.