DIGITAL LEARNING ENGAGEMENT OF PRIMARY LEVEL STUDENTS: PERSPECTIVES AND ROLES OF PARENTS AND TEACHERS

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, primary education shifted to a digital platform in Bangladesh due to the school closures from March 2020 to February 2022, resulting in a lack of technological resources and preparation from the viewpoint of parents and teachers. Therefore, this study explores the perceptions and roles of parents and teachers regarding digital learning engagement for primary-level students during the pandemic. To gain insights into the perceptions and roles of parents and teachers, qualitative data were collected from 32 parents (through four focus group discussions) and 10 teachers (via interviews) immediately after school reopening. The participants were selected based on their involvement with digital learning during the pandemic using a deviant purposive sampling technique with geographical proportions. Didactic thematic analysis was then employed for data analysis. The study found that while some parents and teachers lacked preparation and facilities for digital learning, they still showed motivation and a positive mindset towards it, particularly in urban areas. However, in contrast, those in rural areas faced challenges and had no choice but to embrace the trend of digital learning. Besides, urban teachers found digital learning helpful and suggested continuing it after the pandemic, while parents believed it was only suitable for tertiary-level students and had negative consequences for younger children. Furthermore, urban parents provided reinforcements to engage students, whereas rural parents struggled and depended solely on schools. Additionally, teachers engaged students through storytelling, gamification, redesigning content, using pictures, interactive questions, orienting students on digital platforms, and reaching out to absent students. Finally, the findings of this research will guide the government and policymakers in updating the education system and implementing digital learning at the primary level.