Teachers challenged by virtual truants and digital drop-outs

Some students have all but ‘disappeared’ since schools were shut down, teachers say, as they give an insight into the difficulties they face with trying to keep children engaged in learning. Since making the switch to e-learning, some pupils have dropped off the radar, leaving their teachers at a loss on how to reach out to them when all it takes to be ignored is the click of a button. Jenny*, who teaches science between Year 4 and Year 8, says she has been pre-recording her lessons and allowing pupils flexibility in watching them and returning their work. But there are still those who do not participate. “The school has been getting in touch with the students to make sure they are fine and to see if the family needs any help or support to cope,” she said. “We’re trying to support them as much as possible and we’re flexible with the genuine cases that we know about,” she added. “But it’s not the same. At school it’s easier to get to them but at the moment they can just easily not log on and ignore their emails.” The reasons for students not being able to participate are varied. Some students may not have the resources or parental support to continue doing their lessons from home.