TEXT I The Virus that Accelerated Changes in the...

TEXT I

The Virus that Accelerated Changes in the Educational System

The spread of Covid-19 has led to the closure of educational institutions all over the world. Such closure accelerated the development of online learning environments within those institutions so that learning would not be disrupted.

The coronavirus pandemic has tested the readiness of centers to deal with a crisis that requires online and remote measures. Many were not prepared, but it is important to review the reasons for offering students online classes, which go beyond periods of confinement.

9 Reasons to Offer Online Classes

1) Offer highly effective learning environments

2) Offer complementary interactive reinforcements that allow students to study 24/7 and work at their own pace

3) Offer flexible scheduling

4) Are available in any location, through an internet connection; students can attend using their devices (e.g., computers, tablets, etc.)

5) Better use of instructor time (e.g., no time-consuming trips to companies)

6) Facilitate direct teacher feedback

7) Allow real-time student monitoring and corresponding reports

8) Allow franchises to share schedules and classes online (to increase class attendance)

9) Improve the image of your center by offering technological solutions that solve real problems

Available at: https://www.cae.net/covid-19-virus-changes-in-education/. Access on: 14 june 2020 (adapted).

TEXT II

The 2019-20 coronavirus pandemic has affected educational systems worldwide, leading to the near-total closures of schools, universities and colleges. By the middle April 2020, approximately 1.723 billion learners have been affected due to school closures in response to the pandemic. According to UNESCO monitoring, 191 countries have implemented nationwide closures and 5 have implemented local closures, impacting about 98.4 percent of the world's student population. School closures impact not only students, teachers, and families, but have far-reaching economic and societal consequences. School closures in response to Covid-19 have shed light on various social and economic issues, including student debt, digital learning, food insecurity, and homelessness, as well as access to childcare, health care, housing, internet, and disability services. The impact was more severe for disadvantaged children and their families, causing interrupted learning, compromised nutrition, childcare problems, and consequent economic cost to families who could not work. In response to school closures, universities recommended the use of distance learning programs and open educational applications and platforms that schools and teachers can use to reach learners remotely and limit the disruption of education.

Available at https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340849956_Impact_of_the_2019-20_coronavirus_pandemic_on_education. Access on: 14 june 2020.

Write a text in English considering the texts above. In your text,

a) discuss two of the nine reasons to offer online classes considering the Brazilian educational system and the changes brought by the pandemic. (value: 5.0 points)

b) suggest one way in which public policies could address poor children’s access to e-learning. (value: 5.0 points)