The transition to online learning has affected the learning experiences of medical students, as they are unable to have take part in clinical rotations, problem-based learning interactions, in-person anatomy dissections, group learning sessions, local examinations and licensing requirements, which used to be an essential experience for them. Students are therefore missing out on the hands-on experiences and patient interactions. However, with the help of current technology, students are able to conduct Telehealth sessions with patients, virtual dissections and online conferences, facilitating students' education. More actions need to be taken to make similar resources available to all students. 

The Impact of COVID-19 on Medical Student Education

With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting countries all around the world, there is a lack of clinical placement sites for nursing students. Without fulfilling their hour requirements, students may not be able to graduate or receive their license. 
- Clinical Placement in Australia 

Effects of COVID-19 on Clinical Hours for Nursing Students

As most schools and universities have transferred to online or e-learning as an alternative to in person education amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, households with  lower incomes may be negatively impacted due to the limitations of having access to mobile and internet accessible devices. 

Impacts of E-Learning and Dependence on Access to the Internet and Online Resources 

Not only can e-learning create a "digital divide" and disadvantage students from resource-constrained schools or households, but it may also not be a viable alternative to face-to-face instruction for younger children who are still acquiring hand-eye coordination for writing. 

Syracuse University

In the first phase of re-opening schools, administrators may choose to couple in-person instruction with e-learning, or create differentiated shifts for students to attend school.

Hybrid of E-learning and In-Person Instruction for Reopening Schools 


- Improves children's mental health

- Reduces economic disparity

- In-person education is more effective than e-learning

Benefits to Re-opening Schools During Fall 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic

Fantini, M. P., Reno, C., Biserni, G. B., Savoia, E., & Lanari, M. (2020). COVID-19 and the re-opening of schools: A policy maker’s dilemma. Italian Journal of Pediatrics, 46(1). doi:10.1186/s13052-020-00844-1
https://ijponline.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13052-020-00844-1#citeas

COVID-19 and the re-opening of schools: a policy maker’s dilemma

Drawbacks of E-Learning as Compared to In-Person Education

From ages 2-10, children have an active social life at school which helps them develop personality traits and sense of identity, and disruptions of close peer relationships have been associated with depression, guilt, and anger. In quarantine, children have shown an increased risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, grief, and adjustment disorder. Moreover, by spending long periods of time in households where parents suffer from mental health issues or economic hardship, children may become victims of domestic violence.



Re-opening Schools For Fall 2020 as a Means to Improve Children's Mental Health

Globally, only 51% of families with children have access to the internet.  This poses a major challenge to online learning efforts.  Inequality will be further perpetuated if those who can afford and access internet technology and infrastructure are able to obtain the United Nations designated right to a free education.  

In the United States, 40% of homes have school-aged children, and in more than 90% of these households, at least 1 parent is employed outside the home. School closure amplifies economic disparity by forcing parents to deal with child care, which can be costly or time-consuming. Students of Title 1 schools may face more socioeconomic disparity if they do not receive services during quarantine.  These trends also exist beyond the US, if anything amplified in developing economies.


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