Transforming to Online Learning during COVID-19 Pandemic: Lessons Learned from Carpenters Primary School

This research project analyzes the main issues schools had in transforming to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and the lessons schools should have learned. The study focuses on Carpenters Primary School from London and uses a qualitative approach to gather data through interviews, observations, and case studies. The research aims to identify good practices, deal with student IT access issues, and use online resources effectively. The impact of remote learning on the performance of teachers and students during lockdown is also analyzed.

Research project
business and
management

Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1: Introduction..............................................................................................................3
Aim .................................................................................................................................................4
CHAPTER 2: Literature Review.....................................................................................................5
Good practice...................................................................................................................................7
Dealing with student IT access issues.........................................................................................7
Using online resources................................................................................................................8
CHAPTER 3: Methodology ............................................................................................................9
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................12

CHAPTER 1: Introduction
The covid scenario resulted in all schools to shut their physical presence across world.
Here were approx. 1.2 billion children who are out of classroom. Education has resulted into
dramatically to distinctive e learning where teaching is now taking place on remotely and across
digital platform. Online learning resulted into better retention of information that is leading to
less time period there is shift away from the classroom across different parts of the globe.
Adoption of online learning has resulted into use of various languages, video conferencing,
virtual tutoring and online learning software that is leading to significant surge of usage of
technology in this situation. Presently there is evaluation of the way schools had in transforming
to online learning in 2020/21 during the pandemic and the lessons schools should have learned. It
will be evaluated by use of existing sources of information so that further conclusion can be
drawn based on such analysis (Kim and et.al., 2020).
Problem: In theCovid19 situation, there have been issues that have transformed completely the
process of learning. The solution was to develop social distancing within communities. The
prolonged closures have resulted into negative impact on the process of learning for students.
There has been delay in terms of lecture timings or non-availability of teachers when students
were facing difficulties. This scenario has resulted into negative impact and the smooth flow of
children learning (Gonzalez-Ramirez and et.al., 2021).
In Carpenters Primary School there was a complete transformational towards online learning
where students were given option to join the platforms that offered them with option of attending
their classes online at the distance learning programs. There were lot of issues faced by students
that is related with no proper matching of timing, technical issues and such related problems. The
teachers were there to support the students in this process of learning. So, all the issues and
difficulties that students where facing were timely acknowledged and solved by the teachers so
that it does not delay or possess any type of difficulty for students (Heo, Bonk and Doo, 2021).
Organisational background:
Carpenters Primary School from London as a digital workplace is breaking down the overall
communication barriers and positioning that is leading to transformation of overall employee
experiences for the purpose of fostering innovation, growth and efficient. The key to success is
in the process of implementing a workplace strategy that can lead towards a true cultural change.

Research rationale:
The present research work will assist in the process of intensify the researching skills,
communication ability that is going to lead towards better understanding of the future
professional research work. It will also help in understand various perspectives of the way
analytical and data management skill can help in comprehensive and professional development
in long run.
The particular topic was select as the overall popularity of online teach has massively
increased due to the situation of COVID-19 pandemic. It has brought a massive change in how
teaches conduct teaching through online medium which has brought alteration in their overall
teaching methods as well as styles.
Aim
To analyse main issues schools had in transforming to online learning in 2020/21 during the
pandemic and the lessons schools should have learned. A study on Carpenters Primary School
from London.
Objectives:
 To review the literature in order to understand what is considered good practice in the
way schools should have adapted to deliver online learning during the pandemic.
 To carry out semi-structured interviews with staff at Carpenters Primary School,
including the head teacher, about their experiences with the implementation on online
learning during the pandemic and what lessons they have learnt.
 To identify various lessons Carpenters Primary School should have learned while
transforming to online learning in 2020/21 during the pandemic
 To analyse the impact of remote learning in the performance of teachers and students
during learning in lock down.

CHAPTER 2: Literature Review
The purpose of this chapter is to review the literature in order to understand what is considered
good practice in the way schools should have adapted to deliver online learning during the
pandemic.
To review the literature in order to understand what is considered good practice in the way
schools should have adapted to deliver online learning during the pandemic
As per the view point of Snelling (2020), the overall demand for online learning has
expectational grown which marks it crucial for schools to understand it is able to adapt to the
new changes to deliver online learning during the pandemic. It is viral for schools to ensure it is
able to provide digital equality to students to ensure education is received in a proper and non-
bias manner. In addition to this, the school should focus on adaption to the clear expectation of
its staff during the pandemic in order to develop a positive relation which will result in proper
education.
Carry out semi-structured interviews with staff at Carpenters Primary School, including
the head teacher, about their experiences with the implementation on online learning
during the pandemic and what lessons they have learnt
As per the view point of Konig (2020), the COVID-19 pandemic situation has posed
various challenges requiring teachers to adapt to online teaching. This has massively impacted
the overall teaching style as well as methods of the teaching and how they are able to transfer
their knowledge to the students. The major challenge that teacher encountered is related to
miscommunication due tot he aspect of online learning which lead to confusion among student as
well as teacher. Moreover, the overall aspect of interaction was also decreased which made it
hard to teach in a proper and structured manner.
Concept of transforming to online learning in 2020/21
As per view points of Li (2020), the covid 19 situation resulted into need for a complete
transformational towards various online learning platforms. There is complete movement
towards worked to engage in the process of virtual learning and development. Online education
is viewed as alternative pathway for suiting the adult learners about high education priorities, the

emergence of COVID 19 pandemic resulted in students and educators to adapt quickly to virtual
courses. Before the pandemic the main purpose of online education and distance is to provide
access to instruction to those who were unable to participate in the academic programme. But
now the main purpose is shifted towards continuous support to instruction that is part of wider
system has now complete changed. Education system are moving their activities towards online
that leads to instructions to continue despite of the school closures. There is development of a
strong attitude towards learning that can help students in dealing with potential challenges that
allows during the online classes. It is also very crucial for development of support to make
students use the communication and information technology. It is very important for having a
positive attitude towards intrinsic motivation, self-regulation and learning to improve the
performance of students that is important for online learning process (Online education in the
post-COVID era, 2021).
Main issues from London had in transforming to online learning in 2020/21 during the
pandemic
As per view points of Lockee (2021), while the Carpenters Primary School from London
willing to convert the process of offline learning towards digital transformational there was need
of various educational innovations to ensure that there is proper remote learning possibility. But
there were many challenges and issues that affected this process such as it is related with lack of
internet connectivity across some location especially in various rural areas (Jamieson, 2020).
There were also issues associated with no proper engagement between parents and schools that is
required for improving the guidance and information to parents on effective practices so that
children learning practises can be supported.
Online learning was actually only available to students who possess enough resources that can
support them it included broadband connection that is fast enough to support this process. Many
network operators have been successful for managing these services but still individuals have
been facing such issues. Another major challenge was children not having access to devices that
includes necessary software and computers for participating in online learning activities that is a
challenge for some lower income households (Khaddage, Fayad and Moussallem, 2020).
Another issue is related to lack of basic digital skills among students that may lead to difficulty
in adapting the situation.

Lessons Carpenters Primary School should have learned while transforming to online
learning in 2020/21 during the pandemic
As per views of Zalta (2021), there were some of the Creative solutions that were offer to
family members while using the technology. Such as families and students were offered with
resources and facilities to successfully engage and then further compete the curse work. Part
from this there were use of strategies such as school buses were provided with mobile hotspots,
there were instructional presentations aired on public broadcasting stations. The challenge is
related with adoption and availability of electronic sources or activities that have to be further
integrated into online learning experiences. Further there is need to make use of synchronous
online conferencing systems that includes google meet and zoom that can allow experts across
world to join online classroom and presentation to be recorder for various individual learners to
watch at convenient time. There is innovation in virtual lanes and virtual field trips. The covid
pandemic also resulted into having a lasting impact on the process of lesson design. In thus there
was rethinking of instructional approaches to reconsider strategies for facilitating the process of
online learning. There is use of multi-mode to deal with the norms of enhancing the overall
infrastructure & development of skill sets that can allow people to move different across various
delivery systems. It leads towards best practises for blended learning and technology that can
guide towards having new combinations of instructional delivery so that there can be timely shift
towards virtual learning process (The experiences, challenges, and acceptance of e-learning as a
tool for teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic among university medical staff, 2021)
Impact of remote learning in the performance of teachers and students during learning in
lockdown
Emma Howard and et. al., (2021), revealed that due to pandemic, the learning of children has
been affected a lot and determined that because of the remote learning both performance of
students and parents has been affected. For instructors, schools and universities, students &
parents, the epidemic has been a critical time period. The quality and quantity of the learning
affected adversely. The majority of pupil’s experience minor learning losses, while others have
significant learning losses and others have learning gains, according to reports (Sahoo, 2020).
The majority of students' knowledge has been harmed in some way. On the basis of teacher
estimates, while a tiny percentage of kids made advances, the majority of pupils experienced

learning losses, which were very often severe. According to the literature, the majority of the
learning loss is likely associated with extended periods of virtual learning. During the pandemic
time, teachers and students had a variety of learning and teaching, but disadvantage and
deprivation appear to be the most closely linked towards less part of growing and overall
learning losses (Sarju, 2020).
Good practice
Dealing with student IT access issues
In the scenario of covid 19 there have been many issues related to technology usage and IT that
is being faced by students. Some students may not possess proper equipment to attend the online
classes. But in Carpenters Primary School, children that could not afford they were given
devices that they could follow classes and not being left behind.
In the scenario of covid 19 it is also very important to assist parents to help their children in
dealing with the difficulties that they are facing. In the process of online learning, it becomes
important to support the children to master and learn the subject. In Carpenters Primary School
parents were given “Family Support Sessions “for supporting parents, children and teenagers, to
stay safe online and to get comfortable while using online learning. Also, once a month, head
teacher gathered all parents for a Coffee Morning, where each parent struggling with any issue to
be able to speak and get help. There were given online sessions for children who also have
additional needs and a lot of open conversations where parents and carers from different
community can share their experiences and even Therapeutic Workshops with topics like”
Managing Mood”.
Using online resources
Online learning is a new and unknown method of learning for parents, students and teachers, but
in this case these students were given option to subscribe to online learning facilities there was
use of online resources such an online application developed to facilitate the process of learning.

CHAPTER 3: Methodology
Research methodology is the data collection process that is used by researcher for the purpose of
achieving the laid aims and objectives through laid research questions. In the present research it
has been used qualitative approach, Qualitative research method is considered as the quality of
the research and also utilizes quality full information so that researcher can effectively improve
the adequacy and relevancy of the research study. With the help of qualitative research,
researcher can effectively gain the in-depth knowledge and understanding about the research
topic. In order to carry out the current research, qualitative research methods are mainly
considered by the researcher. Under this research, interview, observation, Focus Group, case
study and other methods can be utilized by the researcher. The primary motive of this research
method is to improve the value of the research study (Hughey, 2020).
Advantages of qualitative research:
Qualitative research can track shifting views among a target audience, like service or product
consumers, or attitudes in the workplace.
 Qualitative research allows for a lot more flexibility. Researchers can instantly adapt
questions, modify, or change any other parameter to enhance responses if important
insights aren't being recorded.
 Researchers can be significantly more imaginative about what they want to examine and
how they want to do it with qualitative data collection. It permits a study's intuition or
'gut feel' about where valuable knowledge will be located to motivate data collection
(Säfsten and Gustavsson, 2020).
 Interview method will be selected in the present research work where interview questions
are formulated so that there can be proper evaluation of the viewpoints of select target
segment of respondents. There is focus on use of qualitative research methodology only
in the present research work. In which primary method there is interview method selected
and in secondary method there is literature review.
Advantages of using interview as a data collection method:
 There is selection of suitable candidate from the identified target segment of respondents.

 There will be collection of suitable and appropriate information through interview as a
method in present research work.
Disadvantages of using interview as a data collection method:
 Conducting interviews can be time consuming and costly method that may lead to
investment of lot of resources in present research work.
 Interview may cause biases where respondents answer can affect their reaction by factors
such as interviewees class, age or may be physical appearance.
 There may be lack of accessibility to respondents and there can be confusion in their
mind which may affect their present response with respect to questions being asked.
Data collection
Data is considered as the backbone of the research because without data no research can be
proceed. There are various techniques of Data collection method such as primary data collection
method and secondary data collection method. Both techniques are playing a prominent role in
order to analyze the data and find out the appropriate result
Justification of selected method: In present research work there will be use of both primary and
secondary sources of collecting information. In this process for primary method there will be use
of interview method.
An interview is refers to as a conversation that is conducted in order to gather
information. A research interview involves an interviewer who coordinates the overall process of
the conversation and asks questions.
Advantage of interview:
 It provide more flexibility to the interviews in gather vital data for the research.
 The interviewer has a better response rather than mailed question. The interview can effectively judge the non-verbal behaviour of the respondent.
Disadvantage of interview:
 The overall process of conducting an interviewe can be time consuming and can also
consist of elements such as biasness.
 Interview studies provide less anonymity which is a big concern form many respondents.
In secondary source there is development of literature review from identified case study to meet
the laid aims and objectives.
Advantages of primary and secondary research

Primary research is tailored to the needs of the researchers. The investigators can be quite clear
about just the aims, purposes, and reasons because it is based on the acquisition of real data. It's
updated and offers more in-depth information.
Primary data can help to maintain the greater control on the data and other researcher work. In
primary research, researchers have a lot of power. They may choose who will participate in the
study, how they will be hired, the size of the sample, and sampling methods, among other things.
Secondary data advantages
Secondary research is frequently more suitable for investigators because it can be done at
home, in bookstores, or other comparable locations. Going through a stack of books, periodicals,
journals, and other materials might be daunting; but, a cup of coffee and some background music
can help. Many researchers find their home environment and access to amenities to be extremely
beneficial.
Secondary research is frequently less expensive than original research. Because much of the
study is done indoors, it is usually not very expensive. Similarly, a great deal of online data is
now available. Furthermore, secondary research saves the researchers a significant amount of
time.
Advantages of literature review:
Literature review encourages in the process of deep learning that is offering an efficient
way of assessing students on understanding and knowledge of topic, it is going to help in having
a conceptual framework in research for project planning because there will be clear idea of the
aspect that has already been developed.
Disadvantages of literature review:
It may require lot of detailed analysis and searching of information. There can be issues
of reliability and validity of information. It may also affect the present process of dealing with
grammatical and spelling errors that can possess an impact on the further research work.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Gonzalez-Ramirez, J., Mulqueen, K., Zealand, R., Silverstein, S., Mulqueen, C. and BuShell, S.,
2021. Emergency Online Learning: College Students' Perceptions During the COVID-19
Pandemic. College Student Journal, 55(1), pp.29-46.
Heo, H., Bonk, C.J. and Doo, M.Y., 2021. Enhancing learning engagement during COVID‐19
pandemic: Self‐efficacy in time management, technology use, and online learning
environments. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning.
Hughey, M., 2020. Appendix B. Research Methodology. In White Bound (pp. 209-222). Stanford
University Press.
Jamieson, M.V., 2020. Keeping a learning community and academic integrity intact after a mid-
term shift to online learning in chemical engineering design during the COVID-19
pandemic. Journal of Chemical Education, 97(9), pp.2768-2772.
Khaddage, F., Fayad, R. and Moussallem, I., 2020, June. Online Learning and the Role of
Technologies During COVID19 Pandemic “Higher Education Lebanon Case.
In EdMedia+ Innovate Learning (pp. 623-630). Association for the Advancement of
Computing in Education (AACE).
Kim and et.al., 2020. Effects of epidemic disease outbreaks on financial performance of
restaurants: Event study method approach. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism
Management, 43, pp.32-41.
Säfsten, K. and Gustavsson, M., 2020. Research methodology: for engineers and other problem-
solvers.
Sahoo, S., 2020. E-readiness and perception of student teachers towards online learning in the
midst of COVID-19 pandemic. Available at SSRN 3666914.
Sarju, J.P., 2020. Rapid adaptation of a traditional introductory lecture course on catalysis into
content for remote delivery online in response to global pandemic. Journal of Chemical
Education, 97(9), pp.2590-2597.
Schwartzman, R., 2020. Performing pandemic pedagogy. Communication Education, 69(4),
pp.502-517.
Smith, R.A., 2021. Pandemic and Post-Pandemic Digital Pedagogy in Hospitality Education for
Generations Z, Alpha, and Beyond. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research, 45(5),
pp.915-919.
Online:

Online education in the post-COVID era, 2021 [online], Available through<
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41928-020-00534-0>
Online education in the post-COVID era, 2021 [online], Available
through<https://www.nature.com/articles/s41928-020-00534-0>
The experiences, challenges, and acceptance of e-learning as a tool for teaching during the
COVID-19 pandemic among university medical staff, 2021 [online], Available
through<https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0248758>

ANNEX 1. ETHICAL ISSUES FORM
Section 1: Basic Details
Student name: Anca Maria Ene
Student ID number:01011399
Programme:
School: David Game Higher Education
Intended research start date: september 2021
Intended research end date: april 2022
Section 2: Project Summary
Please highlight all research methods that you plan to use as part of your project:
• Interviews:
• Questionnaires:
• Observations:
• Use of Personal Records:
• Data Analysis:
• Action Research:
• Focus Groups:
• Other (please specify):
Section 3: Participants
Please answer the following questions, giving full details where necessary.
Will your research involve human participants? Yes.
Who are the participants? Highlight all that apply:

Ages 12-16 Young People aged 17–18 Adults
How will participants be recruited (identified and approached)?
Describe the processes you will use to inform participants about what you are doing:
Participants will be informed by using written communication skills that will be adopted
for informing the participants.
How will you obtain consent from participants? Will this be written? How will it be made clear
to participants that they may withdraw consent to participate at any time?
The overall consent of the participants will be taken through consent form and ethical
approval form.
Studies involving questionnaires: Will participants be given the option of omitting questions they
do not wish to answer? Yes: No
If no please explain why below and ensure that you cover any ethical issues arising from this
Studies involving observation: Confirm whether participants will be asked for their informed
consent to be observed. Yes: No
Will you debrief participants at the end of their participation (i.e., give them a brief explanation
of the study)? Yes: No
Will participants be given information about the findings of your study? (This could be a brief
summary of your findings in general) Yes: No
Section 4: Data Storage and Security
Confirm that all personal data will be stored and processed in compliance with the Data
Protection Act (1998)
Yes: No
Who will have access to the data and personal information?
All the team members.
During the research:
Where will the data be stored?
In soft copy format only

Will mobile devices such as USB storage and laptops be used? Yes: No
If yes, please provide further details:
After the research:
Where will the data be stored?
In soft copy format in USB storage and laptops
How long will the data and records be kept for and in what format?
For a minimum time period of three years
Will data be kept for use by other researchers? Yes: No
If yes, please provide further details:
Section 5: Ethical Issues
Are there any particular features of your proposed work which may raise ethical concerns? If so,
please outline how you will deal with these:
It is important that you demonstrate your awareness of potential risks that may arise as a result of
your research. Please consider/address all issues that may apply. Ethical concerns may include,
but are not limited to the following:
• Informed consent.
• Potentially vulnerable participants.
• Sensitive topics.
• Risks to participants and/or researchers.
• Confidentiality/anonymity.
• Disclosures/limits to confidentiality.
• Data storage and security, both during and after the research (including transfer, sharing,
encryption, protection).
• Reporting.
• Dissemination and use of your findings.

Section 6: Declaration
I have read, understood and will abide by the institution’s Research and Ethics Policy: Yes: No
I have discussed the ethical issues relating to my research with my Unit Tutor: Yes: No
I confirm that to the best of my knowledge the above information is correct and that this is a full
description of the ethical issues that may arise in the course of my research.
Name: ANCA MARIA ENE
Date: 6 december 2021
Please submit your completed form as an annex to your submitted research proposal.