6 years of emergencies and distance learning: Will the education system be ready for the next campaign?
Israel's education system has been dealing with continuous emergencies for over six years, necessitating frequent shifts to distance learning. Studies and surveys indicate the ineffectiveness of distance learning, especially in kindergartens and lower grades. The Ministry of Education has formulated a new approach prioritizing physical learning for young children during emergencies and mandating 60 hours of digital learning during routine times as preparation.
Israel's education system has been dealing with continuous emergencies for over six years, since the coronavirus and subsequently during wars, which have necessitated frequent shifts to distance learning. Studies and surveys cited in the article point to the ineffectiveness of distance learning, especially in kindergartens and lower grades, with attention difficulties, technical malfunctions, and dependence on parents. In response, the Ministry of Education, in coordination with the Home Front Command, has formulated a new approach that prioritizes physical learning in kindergartens and grades 1-3 during emergencies, under conditions to be determined. Additionally, the ministry requires all schools to teach 60 annual hours of digital learning during routine times as preparation for emergencies. The Deputy Director General, Dr. Eyal Ben Zaken, said the ministry conducted a broad institutional investigation that includes a survey of over 2,200 educators, and that lessons have already been implemented in operations "With a Lion" and "Roar of the Lion." The article also notes a shortage of end-user devices in Arab society and Haredi education, and gaps in reducing it.