How are disadvantaged children affected?
Though it is important to note that knowledge or learning can never truly be lost, it seems a little tone-deaf when virtual learning is generally only sufficient in schools with a majority population of financially stable children. The fact is, the inefficiency of online learning disproportionately affects schools in areas with a higher rate of poverty. This may be caused by a variety of reasons. First, children from low-income households are more likely to attend public schools that generally lack resources to support quality virtual learning. Second, virtual learning requires reliable technology; computers, stable internet, many of which are still quite inaccessible to those living in remote or low-income areas. Lastly, low-income parents are less able to provide supplements for enrichment, such as tutoring, for their children.
The imbalance in the learning pace of disadvantaged children relative to the general population further exacerbates education inequalities. A McKinsey & Company report predicted that the cumulative learning loss of the 2020-2021 academic year could range from losing 5-9 months in mathematics with black, Hispanic, and children with disabilities losing more on average. Thus, it is not far-fetched to fear that the surge of virtual learning will only widen the socio-economic and educational gaps in future generations.Â
The change in the trajectory of the predicted future
  It is difficult to accurately predict the true impact of the Covid-19 induced learning loss. However, it can be firmly stated that the current pace of our education system will change our future. Firstly there will be a change in the expected learning outcomes of the children in school. Based on recent findings, there is a clear setback in the pace at which children are learning. This would mean a greater burden to bear for teachers as well as students when they return to school. Teachers would have to ensure that their students have caught up to the curriculum and are on the same page, which is not an easy feat.
  Secondly, past studies can also indicate how learning outcomes affect the labor market and economic development. If schools can return to pre-pandemic performance, the typical student can experience up to 3% lower career earnings, with disadvantaged children likely to experience higher numbers. Unless schools are able to exceed pre-pandemic performance, this statistic is likely to be permanent. On a macro scale, these results could cost nations 1.5% lower GDP for the remainder of the century and could go lower if they are unable to swiftly return to previous performance levels.
  Unfortunately, there is no cure-all for this unprecedented phenomenon. There is still much to improve upon and inequality gaps to fill, to achieve a reliable learning system. Ultimately, government intervention, investments, and reformations will be necessary to mitigate these shortcomings. At the end of it all, one thing surely learned during the pandemic: there are still large gaps and inconsistencies within our current education systems and there is an urgency to mend it---for the good of everyone.Â
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