Guidelines for E-learning in Emergencies

With the closing of schools due to the spread of COVID-19, nearly 1.3 billion students are out of in-person education systems and now rely on remote learning. In recognizing the increasing demand for at-home resources for students, different countries and governments address these concerns through different approaches with e-learning. It is increasingly being viewed as an efficient means for students to continue learning. However, many challenges emerge depending on e-learning platforms, specifically the discrepancy in Internet access globally. As a result, this paper offers guidelines for geographical areas that can be viewed as having either a highly ready or a partially ready e-learning system. In evaluating the different Internet infrastructure in place, access to educational devices, and level of adaptability for teachers to the new online curriculum, a range of guidelines have been offered for pre-primary and primary students to continue their education during emergencies. These guidelines not only provide steps to help parents and teachers, but also focus on the way in which e-learning platforms engage and teach students social, emotional, and cognitive skills. By offering best practices on supporting stakeholders and students learning, countries can decrease potential learning loss and facilitate a smoother transition back to school.