The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected education systems worldwide, leading to the mass closures of schools and universities. Since April 3, 2020, over 1.7 billion school and university students have stopped attending educational institutions due to their closure as part of efforts to stem the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Over 180 countries proceeded to close educational institutions across their territory, which has affected 97% of the global student population. Not only has the shutting down of schools impacted students, teachers and families, it has also had broader economic and social repercussions. The shutting down of schools as part of the response to COVID-19 has highlighted various social and economic problems such as digital learning, homelessness, food shortages, as well as health care, child care, the internet, housing, and the care of elderly and disabled persons. The impact has been even more severe on children with developmental disabilities and their families, since it has led to an interruption of education and to care provision difficulties, and therefore also to additional expenses for families prevented from working. As a response to the closing of schools, UNESCO has proposed the implementation of distance education programs and open educational resources and platforms which could be used by schools and teachers so as to be accessible to every student, thus limiting the interruption and disruption of teaching and education.