Alina Kotchetkov^1,, Karen Dockeray¹

In early 2020, schools across North America and globally have closed their doors for students either partially or completely for in-person learning due to the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. To allow continuous learning for students, a virtual style of education was adapted as the most popular alternative. However, many students, particularly in younger grades, found it difficult to adjust to this mode of education; sudden change and unpreparedness being the most common reasons. Since online learning started, negative impacts on students¡¯ mental health and reduced physical activity have been reported. To understand more in depth the impacts of online learning on real-life elementary students, we conducted a survey. We designed a questionnaire to characterize the common issues that arose during online learning, relating to social interactions, learning engagement, health habits, parental support and technology that were available during this time. An online survey was sent electronically targeting elementary students from grades 4-8. We analyzed 112 responses. The majority of grades 4-8 students expressed no confusion during online lessons, had a good understanding of what to do to complete assigned tasks, and found it easy to complete assignments. Nevertheless, analysis of students¡¯ responses revealed that online learning had negatively impacted elementary school student¡¯s physical health due to reduced peer-interaction and physical activities with increased snacking. Some students believed they were often distracted during online learning and did not feel comfortable with cameras on, which may have also affected these students¡¯ mental health and learning abilities. There were still some students who lacked technology and/or parental support and their needs should not be overlooked.

online, in-person, learning, elementary, health, school, participation