Research into home learning

Wimmera Development Association is seeking volunteers to participate in a study about the impact of working and learning from home during the coronavirus health crisis.

Health advice moved the operation of many businesses and organisations into homes in March, while Victorian schools provided education for many students remotely when term two resumed in April.

Association executive director Chris Sounness said the study aimed to understand and document the challenges.

“Many children are feeling that it is very hard for them to get a clear understanding of expectations while they are learning from home, they aren’t receiving the feedback they want and the structure, or lack of structure, is challenging,” he said.

“Parents are often trying to work full-time while providing a learning environment for their children, and they feel they are letting people down when they make choices about work or their child’s schooling.

“Some children are totally disengaged. Then there are some children who are finding remote learning a far better environment for them to learn. One size does not fit all.

“When the time comes that restrictions have eased, we need to ensure people feel supported, and we need to understand what resources the Wimmera and southern Mallee needs to put in place to ensure everyone can achieve the best they can.”

Mr Sounness said the study would also investigate the impact on mothers.

He said participation in the study was voluntary and responses would remain confidential.

He said people could text their first name and a contact phone number to 0491 628 338 to register interest.

Mr Sounness said people seeking assistance could phone Uniting Wimmera on 1800 195 114.