4 in 10 U.S. teens say they haven't done online learning since schools closed

By ITS Education Asia

Corona virus has caused schools to close in most countries. This has seen many schools attempt to replace live schooling with online learning. The level of success that has been achieved with this transfer is mixed. 

With most schools closed nationwide due to the coronavirus pandemic, a national poll of young people ages 13 to 17 suggests distance learning has been far from a universal substitute.

The poll of 849 teenagers, by Common Sense Media, conducted with SurveyMonkey, found that as schools across the country transition to some form of online learning, 41 percent of teenagers overall, including 47 percent of public school students, say they haven't attended a single online or virtual class.

There is a big gap between public and private school students in the survey, with 47 percent of public school students saying they have not attended a class, compared with just 18 percent of private school students.

The survey suggests the nation's young people also have a lot on their minds to distract them from online learning. It found that 4 out of 5 teens say they're following news about the coronavirus pandemic closely. More than 60 percent said they are worried that they, or someone in their family, will be exposed to the virus and that it will have an effect on their family's ability to earn a living.

Research done in past disasters suggests that it is teenagers who are the most at risk when school is interrupted. Many are forced to work to earn money or stay home and take care of younger siblings. They are more likely to drop out and less likely to go on to college.

But, experts say, keeping young people connected to a community improves their future chances. From that point of view it's a bright spot that most teens say that they're connecting with friends or family outside their household every day, using texting, social media and the old-fashioned telephone. Sixty-eight percent say they are keeping in regular touch with school, at least by email.

At ITS we can help with your child’s education by providing a customized online learning program. We have years of experience in providing online and distance education. Contact us for more information on how we can help you.

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