The impact of ‘learning at home’on the educational outcomes of vulnerable children in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

This review provides an overview of current approaches to managing school closures as well as recent literature related to young people learning “outside of school”. A range of material has been drawn upon to both highlight the educational issues of this learning context, as well as the psychosocial and emotional repercussions. This summary literature review combines research on technology and learning, online learning and distance learning with very recent analysis of the educational impacts of COVID-19. Globally, while some countries have opted for a mass school shut-down, many schools remain open for more vulnerable students (UNESCO, 2020a). This “partial closure” is not only to enable learning in smaller targeted groups but also to offer a “safe” sanctuary for those who desperately need a regulated and secure environment including the provision of “free” hot food and also, company...