The impact of the corona virus 2019 on education: Challenges related to distance learning for children of the preparatory classes (5–6 year-olds)

ABSTRACT

The implementation of preventive measures against the spread of COVID-19 in Kosovo resulted in the closure of educational institutions for all levels of education. The transitioning process from face-to-face to virtual or online classes' format was also coordinated for pre-school children, enabling their development at home. The research aims to shed light on the problems, needs, and difficulties the children of preparatory classes, their parents, and teachers face since the implementation of distance learning measures. For completing this survey, a qualitative research design was used. The empirical research was carried out through discussion in focus groups and semi-structured interviews. Our sample included 22 teachers and 22 parents of children and six leaders, from two municipalities of Kosovo, in Pristina and Gjilan, with a total of 50 respondents. The results of the research show that the new circumstances created as a result of the COVID-19 spread, including changes in education, have caused a range of difficulties for children, parents and teachers in Kosovo. Findings from the study confirm the common concerns of the reporting groups concerns, and assessments about the education achieved by the end of the school year 2019/2020. These concerns have been influenced by the lack of experienced teachers and parents have in supporting their pupils or children in online learning, the inadequate level of skills and knowledge in the use of technology, the absence of children in school environments, the inability to socialize and cooperate with peers, low attention and concentration in learning, and loss of creative skills, which can cause issues in the period of first-grade learning. © The Author(s) 2022.