Executive Summary
The learning process has changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many students do not have the same resources for accessing online classes. This divide in access leads to disruptions in the educational system and unequal learning opportunities. Currently, an established procedure for supporting such individuals does not exist. A new initiative has to focus on providing resources to students in underserved communities, including tutors, computers, the internet, and software.
Context or Scope of Problem
The COVID-19 pandemic led to major changes in education, requiring students to stay at home and attend classes online instead of in physical classrooms. This new education system created problems for households that already had limited resources. Many students are unable to access online courses as it requires one to have a stable internet connection and an available computer (Bagley, 2021). As a result, the problems created by COVID-19 led to a decrease in access to education and learning disruptions (Onyema et al., 2020). These issues may also lead to worse academic performance and unequal opportunities for minority, low-income, or disabled students.
Policy Alternatives
The current approach by the government offers limited financial and advisory support to students and their parents and caregivers. Families may acquire additional resources through other programs for low-income and disabled individuals, but no specific initiatives to improve access to education have been established nationally. Thus, a proposed solution is the creation of the After-Hours Academy, a business that aims to provide learners from underserved communities with resources to improve their online education.
Policy Recommendations
To help students learn in the new environment, it is recommended to offer several types of support. First, a peer-to-peer network of tutors has to be created to allow students to receive assistance in learning. Next, learners should get computers if they do not have them – a stable internet connection is crucial to ensure that all students can participate in class activities and send homework.
References
Bagley, N. (2021). Education in a pandemic: The disparate impacts of COVID-19 on America’s students. Youth Today. Web.
Onyema, E. M., Eucheria, N. C., Obafemi, F. A., Sen, S., Atonye, F. G., Sharma, A., & Alsayed, A. O. (2020). Impact of Coronavirus pandemic on education. Journal of Education and Practice, 11(13), 108-121.