COVID-19 Disease Pandemic Lockdown: Schools Closure and Students E-Learning Options in Tanzania

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the learning options adopted by students during the closure of schools due to the COVID-19 disease pandemic in Tanzania. It examines the way learners harness the advantage of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and the role played by parents and guardians at home in supporting their children during the COVID-19 lockdown. The discussion of the findings is supported by “situated learning” theoretical perspective (Barab and Duffy, 2000).Design/methodology – The content analysis was adopted and reflected on different themes of the study. Interviews and open-ended questions (using google forms) inquired issues related to home-based learning options among students during the COVID-19 lockdown. Findings – The author argues that a give-way for free access to materials online by students during the COVID-19 lockdown is paramount. However, the sharing of parents’ and guardians’ phones must be monitored to safeguard the learners from cyberbullying. More efforts are needed particularly the intervention of private sector to prepare the ‘smart LMS’ that can be used by ready-students and as a backup space for students during the disasters that may compel the closure of schools. Originality/value – This paper deploys “situated learning” theoretical perspective to explain the learning options adopted by students during the COVID-19 lockdown through the use of parents/guardians gadgets, and LMS analysis.