Changes in educational adaptation during the covid-19 pandemic in Paraguay, 2020-2021

Abstract

During the years 2020 and 2021, global education was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The sudden change in educational modality caused the different actors to adapt at breakneck speed and with the often-limited resources available to them. The present study aims to show and analyze the educational changes that have occurred during the last two years in Paraguay through the statements collected from three actors directly involved in the teaching-learning process: teachers, high school and university students, and parents of school-age children from different parts of the country. The data collection was carried out in three different phases: Mar-May 2020, Nov-Dec 2020 and Nov-Dec 2021. The results show significant changes in terms of access to technological tools such as computers and internet and demonstrate high proportions of actors who used WhatsApp and educational platforms as the main channels of communication and sending homework. In addition, they highlight the reading of materials and worksheets as those activities mostly proposed during the two years. The results also revealed significant difficulties related to internet connectivity, lack of understanding of tasks, motivational aspects, and lack of time for adequate dedication to the activities proposed. Nevertheless, several stakeholders highlighted that the educational modality implemented was of interest to them due to certain advantages that could be taken advantage of and improved in a normal educational system.