Social Media and Covid-19 WhatsApp and its effect on the Educational Landscape in Jamaica
Start
9-30-2020 10:00 AM
End
9-30-2020 11:00 AM
Short Description
Education stakeholders globally are grappling with transitioning to distance learning in this “new normal” because of the Covid-19 pandemic (World Economic Forum, April 2020). This presentation focuses on the challenges of one developing country serving K-9 students in the immediate-term via online learning using WhatsApp. The presentation will share lessons learned about equity and equality in access, support, safety, structures, and a “14 Days Education Plan” policy in response to the COVID-19 school closings.
Abstract
In 2019, the world was plunged into a global pandemic with the Covid-19 outbreak. As of today, scientists and researchers are yet to find out the direct spread but Director or Operations at John Hopkins University explained that the new Covid is spread through droplets that are released in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The last time the world has been placed in such a position was with the outbreak of SARS in 2003. Schools were abruptly closed and teachers were forced to adapt to a new virtual environment. Because of this rapid transition, districts were forced to develop or improve their present online instructional plans to facilitate distance learning.
The research will examine schools readiness for this rapid transition to online learning, Doing the best you can; is it sufficient? and teachers as change agents: Chaos vs. Stability. The results will inform teachers, administrators, parents and all individuals involved in decision-making in the educational system.
Format
Concurrent Session
Institutional level targeted
K-12
Social Media and Covid-19 WhatsApp and its effect on the Educational Landscape in Jamaica
In 2019, the world was plunged into a global pandemic with the Covid-19 outbreak. As of today, scientists and researchers are yet to find out the direct spread but Director or Operations at John Hopkins University explained that the new Covid is spread through droplets that are released in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The last time the world has been placed in such a position was with the outbreak of SARS in 2003. Schools were abruptly closed and teachers were forced to adapt to a new virtual environment. Because of this rapid transition, districts were forced to develop or improve their present online instructional plans to facilitate distance learning.
The research will examine schools readiness for this rapid transition to online learning, Doing the best you can; is it sufficient? and teachers as change agents: Chaos vs. Stability. The results will inform teachers, administrators, parents and all individuals involved in decision-making in the educational system.