The learning loss widens with the digital divide

A study was conducted by the Muttha Foundation in Nov 2020 across Maharashtra to understand the roll-out of the tech-based distance education across the state during the school closures due to COVID-19. As a part of this extensive study, 166 primary school students who were unable to participate in Tech based distance education were also interviewed. For the children who are unable to participate in TECH BASED DISTANCE EDUCATION, for reasons related to access to resources or otherwise, there is a visible gap in the actual number of children being reached under non tech-based education and the general understanding of the officials and teachers with respect to this outreach. Outreach to such children is very limited and in varying proportions mainly because, it is intended to be largely teacher-driven and focus right now is not on bridging the technological gap. 57 percent of the parents reported that nobody came to teach their children during the lockdown. In some areas, local educated youth were going to teach children face to face to their houses - also called as Para Teachers. Para teachers have been conducting classes with or without school teachers mostly in the tribal areas.

This study was conducted to understand the approach, challenges and implications of tech-based distance education for the primary school students from the government and budget private schools across Maharashtra.

In the next post we will see what the authorities have to say about the outreach to such children.

Also, download our research reports here: https://bit.ly/3x5a27A