Elementary School Educational Practices and the Need for Flexibility in Remote Learning Environments

Abstract

This chapter focuses on educational practices at the elementary school level and the need for flexibility to enhance students' knowledge and skills. COVID-19 has proved to be catalytic in introducing online learning. This chapter draws heavily on the work of Vygotsky and the Zone of Proximal Development, together with Gee's notion of affinity spaces. The research questions focus on teachers' and learners' points of view. The research objectives are centered on the challenges of online learning in elementary schools in Malaysia, a comparison between online learning and the learning experiences in the physical classroom, and suggestions on ways to improve online learning. Data were collected from five remote schools in the northwestern state of Kedah, which borders Thailand. The responses of teachers and students showed that there are many issues that need to be addressed within the realm of online learning. The most important issues faced by students include the need for digital devices and internet connectivity. A strategic plan could be designed to address these issues.