The Brighter Side of Home Schooling for Children with Special Needs: Learning from COVID-19 Lockdown

Rosna Vincent, R. Nalini, K. Krishnakumar

Abstract


COVID-19 has resulted in widespread social isolation, quarantines, and suspended academic activity. Children with special needs are socially, financially, and educationally impacted by dramatic changes to laws and restrictions put in place to curtail this devastating global pandemic. This study addresses the beneficial improvements that occurred in the lives of children with special needs during the quarantine period. It led to improved skills, better family dynamics, and an enhancement in technological expertise. Here, we use the case study approach. Twelve parents of children with special needs were selected from the Kozhikode district of Kerala, India. Convenient sampling methods were used for the selection of respondents. The data obtained from the twelve participants were scrutinized. The verbatims were coded with the QDA-Miner Software. Our findings indicate that the lockdown has reinforced family bonds; opened up spaces for homeschooling and digital learning; strengthened relationships with parents, communities, and teachers; and paved the way for technological adaptation. During lockdown, children with special needs continued to learn and build skills in a nurturing familial environment.

https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.20.7.12


Keywords


children with special needs; home-schooling; digital learning; COVID-19 lockdown

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References


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