In an effort to shape best practices around virtual education, Western University researchers will be investigating the effects online learning has had on students and families during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Researchers at Western have begun a study to assess family experiences with online learning during the pandemic and how it impacted students’ education. The LEAP (Learning, Education, and the Pandemic) study will examine how a child’s physical activity, sleep patterns, extracurriculars, thinking-reasoning ability, and time spent socializing impact their family life and education.
“Our study is looking to identify how home life has changed for families and which aspects of virtual learning they find most beneficial,” said Western education professor Emma Duerden in a news release. "If some virtual learning continues in the fall, or if a return to virtual learning occurs, we hope the results of this study can offer support to both parents and educators.”
The study will have parents and caregivers fill out a data gathering questionnaire online, while students will be given optional cognitive games on a computer. The study takes around 30 minutes to complete for each test case.
“Now more than ever, parents want to keep their children safe and offer a supportive learning environment. Yet, as many parents are finding out, online schooling comes with many challenges," said Duerden. “The LEAP study aims to explore those challenges as online schooling is continuing for the remaining weeks of the school year.”
Children between the ages of six to 12 who are currently participating in online learning will be eligible.
The findings of the study could shape how virtual learning is shaped for future students, according to researchers.
