Communication of Children of Preschool and School Age during Distance Learning in the Conditions of COVID-19

Abstract

Introduction. The article presents the results of a study aimed at understanding how communication occurred among children of preschool and school age during distance learning in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was based on the ideas of Vygotsky, the founder of cultural-historical theory, in which communication plays a fundamental role in human development, especially in childhood, as it influences the formation of consciousness and personality. 
 Methods and Research procedure. The main research method was a survey of parents. A questionnaire was prepared on the Google Digital Platform, which consisted of 26 questions. From the obtained answers, those directly related to the research object were analyzed, leaving aside other data that will be the subject of analysis in the study. Sixteen respondents participated in the survey. The questionnaires were filled out not only by parents but also by other relatives of children who were undergoing distance learning in preschool and school institutions (both public and private) during the pandemic. Since many children lost their parents due to COVID-19, it was decided that these relatives could also participate in the study. It was important for us that these individuals were responsible for the upbringing of the children. 
 Results and Conclusions. After analyzing the obtained answers, it can be said that the pandemic has generated significant problems for preschool institutions, schools, and families of children. It has also shown a great variety of forms for continuing children's education proposed and implemented by preschool institutions and schools. Furthermore, it can be affirmed that the younger the child, the more difficult it was for them to communicate with their peers during distance learning.