The possibilities of using e-learning in times of pandemic and in times of emergency and some of their legal context

Abstract

The interruption of teaching in Slovak schools as part of the measures against the spread of coronavirus has required, to a much greater extent than before, the use of distance forms of education. The Ministry of Education is awaiting the continuation of the Education Informatization Program until 2030. Also, the Monitoring Commission of the Human Resources Operational Program approved the intention of the national project Transforming Education and Schools for the Digital Age at the end of January. However, neither of them managed to enter into practice before the onset of crisis events. The current crisis has encountered several problems in education, such as often lower levels of digital skills or lack of know-how in online teaching on the part of teachers and students, insufficient internet coverage in various parts of Slovakia, absence of information and communication facilities in socially disadvantaged environments, and the question of privacy protection in distance education. Despite these limitations, it is necessary to maintain the continuity of education and the guaranteed equal access to education in accordance with constitutional and international human rights principles.