There’s been a lot of discussion about how society, or education, or the economy, or all of the above might changes as a result of COVID-19. Of course, I think any such discussion is quite premature, and those heralding paradigm shifts often either have a vested interest in such a paradigm shift, or a perhaps naive about the factors that influence change at a societal level. I don’t mean to pour cold water on educators’ enthusiasm – especially when it is well intentioned – but I think that suggesting that a term or two of online learning and social distancing means that the structure of the world is going to radically change is perhaps a little optimistic.
Instead, I think we should look at what’s happening currently, during this time of pandemic, and consider how and where that might influence society – if at all. I usually go for a run every morning, and what I’ve noticed is the sheer number of people who are suddenly out and about – even when it is quite early. On the weekends, when I typically go a bit later, there are even more people out, too. And the types of people, too, is different. Usually, on my run, I see solitary – or at most, pairs – of exercisers – either walking or running. But now, I’m seeing whole families out and about. I’m not sure they’re exercising in any determined way – they’re really just going for a walk, but I don’t think that matters. For some reason, isolation has meant that families seem to have both the desire and capacity to spend time with each other – and that’s a positive thing.
The other thing that I’ve noticed is the way that, in this time of crisis, people seem to have become less selfish. Of course, we’ve all heard the stories about the hoarders and so on, but the focus on them often overlooks the low-level community caring that’s taking place. I’ve heard of people delivering groceries and supplies to people in isolation, or Skyping randomly with people who want some one to talk to. Or people engaging in neighbourhood games – like teddy bear hunts – and so on. This is hopeful, and joyous, and argues against that dominant idea of competition and individualism that seems to be the dominant narrative in today’s world.
The final, interesting figure, is that apparently teachers are now being held in higher regard than previously. I think that many teachers were already held in quite high regard by the general public – and much of the criticism and denigration directed at the teaching profession often was stimulated by a media with a specific ideological agenda to push – as well as corporate masters to serve – but I think seeing the work that teachers have done – almost seamlessly and without complaint – to pivot to online delivery might have reaffirmed the respect that teachers have – and deservedly so. The challenge, of course, will be for the teaching profession to actually maintain this increased respect in the face of the anticipated attacks from the media and ‘think tanks’ – and turn this respect into concrete outcomes.