Study on parents' factors influencing children's online learning during Covid-19 period

Abstract

The widespread COVID-19 pandemic was the reason for the sudden closure of Sri Lankan schools and the collapse of the traditional classroom-based learning system. Therefore, many school children were assigned to get school education through online learning. It creates a great weight on their parents because they had to make great efforts to provide their children with the facilities required for online learning from home. Thus, this research aimed to study the extent to which parents‘ factors influence children's online learning during the COVID-19 period. The descriptive research design was used to gather panel data from a sample of students (n=30) and parents (n=20) whose children studied in primary classes in a school in the Ratnapura district of Sri Lanka applying a convenience sampling technique. Personal semi-structured interviews were the main instruments of data collection to get an insight into the real-life experiences of parents and students about online learning. Moreover, a structured questionnaire was employed. In the application of the questionnaire, participants were asked to rate how much they agreed with the statements on a five-point Likert scale, ranging from ̳strongly disagree‘ to ̳strongly agree.‘ Data were analysed using descriptive statistical analysis techniques. The results revealed that parents‘ awareness related to the utilization of technological devices, online educational applications and internet facilities, parents educational background, and parents‘ socio-economic background are the factors which have influenced significantly and positively on the children‘s online learning. The findings suggest the initiation of seminars, training programmes, workshops for parents to enhance the knowledge and skills related to online education. Besides, the results encourage the provision of reliable internet connections, equipped with the necessary online educational applications and prompt financial aid to low-income families where necessary.