Learning at a Distance: Children’s remote learning experiences in Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic

Italy was the first country to implement a nationwide lockdown, in Europe. For almost two months, children and their families lived in nearly complete isolation and students missed 65 days of school. Schooling breaks can cause significant loss of learning and result in educational inequalities over time. Due to lack of internet connectivity and devices at home, at least 3 million Italian students may not have been able to access their education through remote learning.

This report studies children’s and parents’ experiences of remote learning during the lockdown in Italy. Furthermore, it explores changes of children’s access and use of digital technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, it provides insights regarding the support of children’s remote learning in the future.