Individual datasets that do not belong to any series.
The dataset contains responses to a survey concerning distance learning, school attendance and studying during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey was aimed at pupils in grades 4 to 9 and upper secondary school students. The themes included wellbeing, attitudes towards distance learning, studying, the technical implementation of distance learning, learning support, assessment and feedback. The survey could be completed in either Finnish or English. The data were collected as part of the broader Distance Learning (DisLe) research project.
The survey first explored respondents' wellbeing and attitudes towards distance learning by asking, for example, about the meaningfulness of attending school and experiences of loneliness. Respondents also evaluated statements concerning distance learning. Next, the survey examined experiences of learning and studying. Among other things, respondents compared schooling during the extraordinary circumstances with ordinary schooling and assessed how well distance learning suited different school subjects. The survey then gathered information on digital skills, the organisation of remote examinations and the software used in distance learning. Finally, respondents were asked about learning support, assessment and feedback.
Background variables include the language spoken at home, gender, number of siblings, level of education, grade, and school size.
Data were collected in collaboration with school principals and local education authorities in a targeted manner from the Teacher Training School of the University of Turku and schools in two cities in Western Finland. School principals distributed the parental information letters and the survey through the schools' communication channels. In one city, an announcement and a survey link were also published on the city's website. Participation was voluntary. For underage respondents, parental consent was confirmed at the beginning of the survey. In some schools, time was used during lessons to complete the survey. Data were also collected through a public survey link shared in newspapers, on city and newspaper websites, and on social media. Responses were received from across Finland.