Emergency Remote Education: Experience from Sri Lanka during Covid-19

Abstract

This study explores the Emergency Remote Education (ERE) experience in Sri Lanka using mixed method research to understand how ERE was offered in Sri Lanka and what this homeschooling experience was like for both parents and teachers. An online survey (N=153) of parents and six semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of teachers were used to gather data. The findings suggest, despite all the hurdles faced, the teachers have offered some form of ERE to their pupils. However, the uptake of ERE has not been satisfactory in many instances. In resource rich settings, ERE has been more successful. Parents in the Western province, where computer penetration is highest in the country, were more satisfied with the ERE provision than parents in other parts of the country. While online offering of ERE may seem viable or desirable in certain areas or circumstances, large parts of Sri Lanka are not prepared for online educational delivery due to the multifaceted digital divide, which should be considered in any future implementations of ERE.