Distance learning in the time of the covid-19 pandemic and the reproduction of social inequality in the case of migrant children

Abstract

The article analyses the impact of schools being closed during the Covid-19 pandemic and the effects this has had on migrant learners in Slovenian schools regarding their integration process and the reproduction of social inequalities. The article argues that the closure of schools and distance learning in response has en- couraged the reproduction of social inequalities between migrant and non-migrant learners. The analysis is based on qualitative data collected within the MiCREATE project among teachers and migrant learners. The findings suggest that the closure of schools places learners with a migrant background at additional risk. The main obstacles arise from the language constraints and technical barriers (for example, underdeveloped digital literacy and inadequate technical equipment) migrant learn- ers face. In the conclusion, we present possible measures to address the specific needs of migrant learners, for example, the principles of intercultural education.

Keywords

• migrant learners
• covid-19
• distance education
• social inequalities
• slovenia