On the Other Side of the Screen: Distance Education in Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools

Abstract

The global COVID-19 pandemic has forced the education systems around the world to abrubptly stop in-class instruction and organize provision of education remotely. Autonomous education organiza- tion “Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools” has organized remote learning in all of its schools starting from April 6th, 2020. Within the first two weeks a survey on organization and implementation of remote learning took place.

Aim. The research surveys teacher, student and parent preparation to studying and teaching from home, emotional well-being of respondents, as well as whether they are equipped technically to conduct remote learning during self-isolation.

During the first two weeks of remote learning, a survey was conducted in 21 Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools regarding various aspects of learning and teaching from home. The survey was conducted in 13 regions and 3 cities of republican significance of the Republic of Kazakhstan. 2200 teachers, 10607 students and 9340 parents of students participated in the survey.

The study results suggest that the implementation of remote learning in Intellectual schools has been quite successful, at least in the early stages. Teachers, as well as students were well prepared to study and teach remotely. Most teachers and students possess the equipment necessary to conduct online learning. However, respondents noted some problems with the Internet connection, which adversely impact the learning process. More than 2/3 of students note that they feel positive emotionally; however, a significant share of students (31%) admit they miss live interaction with others, which is something to be expected during the period of self-isolation.

Key words: distance education, online education, remote education, asynchronous materials, school satisfaction, secondary education, education in Kazakhstan.