Comparing Emergency Remote Learning with Traditional Learning in Primary Education: Primary School Student Perspectives

Abstract

This study aims to explore primary school students’ perspectives of emergency remote teaching and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and their preferences when comparing it with face-to-face learning. Data from 114 Greek primary students showed that students did not find online learning particularly intriguing, enjoyable, and interactive and felt social isolation due to the lack of communication and interactions. Most students preferred traditional learning to online learning as they found it more enjoyable and interactive, and made it easier to learn, focus on, comprehend, and perform better. They greatly valued the class atmosphere and the ability to actively participate and freely communicate, and stated that it was easier to devote time to studying, complete their assignments, and get answers to their question when learning in person. Students believed that despite its disadvantages, online learning might be more broadly used in the future. Finally, no significant differences were found regarding students’ gender, age, and class level.