Educational Technology Research

  

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Information source: 2021 EDUCAUSE Horizon Report

80 percent of college students reported that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted their mental health. A fifth reported that their mental health had significantly worsened. I was partially surprised when I had read these statistics in the 2021 EDUCAUSE Horizon Report, but simultaneously not surprised. I knew from my circle of family and friends how a few struggled (and still continue to) with mental health during the pandemic. These are unprecedented times we are living in, and sometimes I wishfully think if we could just not count the past year and a half. I am sure many educators and students could relate. So many students fell behind, and lots of students lacked the services and support they would normally receive in person. 

I found it surprising that only 20% of college students reported that their mental health had significantly worsened. It seems that with virtual learning came a more demanding workload. One would also have to consider which schools were surveyed and what their circumstances were, as well as the student demographics. 

It is difficult to speak on mental health in terms of 2-year-olds who were born without knowing the normalcy of the pre-pandemic life. Although, I have noticed parents' hesitation to enroll their children full-time. One parent even asked if their child could attend our center sans mask because they did not want their first childcare experience to be traumatic. 

In the 2020 Common Sense Census: Media Use by kids ages 0-8, Common Sense Media also spoke on the gap in screen use by income, race, and ethnicity. Children in lower-income households (<$30,000/year) spent an average of 3:48 hours per day than children in higher-income households (>$75,000), who spent an average of 1:52 hours per day. 

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Information source: 2020 The Common Sense Census: Media Use by Kids age 0-8

Regarding this statistic, I found it interesting that lower-income homes spent more screen time per day on average than higher-income homes. Inequity has been a prevalent issue when it comes to technology in lower-income neighborhoods and schools. It might be difficult for children in lower-income homes to have access to high-speed internet, but are found to be spending more screen time than higher-income homes. But to put it into consideration, higher-income households are more likely to be involved in extracurriculars and other activities. 

Reflecting on educational research is important for all educators to explore. Educational research brings issues to light that we may not have been aware of. When educators are aware of problems, we are able to put forth effort toward finding solutions. We are also able to bring said issues to light to administration, in hopes of getting the ball moving on a broader level.