Women school leaders` perceptions on online learning in disadvantaged secondary schools during Covid-19

Abstract

This study investigated the challenges and opportunities of online learning in disadvantaged schools during the Covid-19 pandemic. This study was conducted using Qualitative method. The participants in the study includes a total of 12 women school leaders that were purposively selected in three public secondary schools that were selected. Amongst the 12 participants, there were two school principals, two deputy principals, three Head of Departments (HODs) and five grade head teachers. The data was collected using biographical questionnaires and individual semi-structured interviews. The data collected was analysed used Qualitative Data Analysis (QDA) Miner lite software. The findings of the study revealed that the challenges of online learning in disadvantaged schools included lack of teacher’s ICT competencies and lack of communication with parents. The opportunities of online learning in disadvantaged schools according to the findings was learners independence in learning.