Education in extreme ­circumstances: opportunities, ­constraints, risks

Abstract

The article delves into the issue of the education system’s operation within extreme circumstances, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. It underscores the pivotal role of education in mitigating global risks such as environmental, epidemiological, geopolitical, and others. Particular emphasis is given to the realm of distance education during extreme situations, examining its prospects, constraints, and perils.Drawing on research conducted in Ukraine and abroad, notably the nationwide study “High School Student 2021: Daily Practices and Life Plans,” the authors dissect the acquired data across three dimensions: the educational aspect (students’ perspectives on distance learning, shifts in their learning methods due to this educational format, modifications in academic engagement, etc.), technological (availability of devices that can be used to join educational platforms) and competence (skills in using devices, experience in distance learning). The article concludes that online education’s primary benefit lies in its ability to sustain the learning process during extreme circumstances, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. Nevertheless, among the drawbacks of this educational model, the absence of direct interaction among various participants of education is prominently noted. Amid the potential risks, concerns arise about socialization risks and the potential degradation of society’s intellectual capacity due to a potential decline in the quality of educational offerings available to modern youth.