Abstracto

The Changing Culture of Learning Places and Spaces in Africa: A Review of Post COVID Realities towards Achieving Safe Learning Environments

Adeyemi Oginni, David Oyelowo

It is an established fact that there is a relationship between comfort and productivity in previous researches. Safety is the new comfort factor presently, due to the advent of the global pandemic COVID-19. Safety ranks highest as the viral spread has paralyzed all economic systems world over. In the bid to restore normalcy, how will the new scheme of things be, regarding education and children? For schools, especially public municipalities, de-congestion is necessary. This research seeks to review various options available in flattening the curve as the society adapts to the new order; scheduling classes, virtual learning, blended curriculum, the enabling environment. How will the society adjust to these sudden realities? It concludes with recommendations to all stakeholders and government to adopt the requisite systems suited to each locale, which will ensure continuity, safety and smooth running of the educational system. No singular option in this paper is sufficient in itself, but a combination of sorts, in facility management and architectural solutions; this can offer a respite in restoring the economy to the ‘new normal’¸ with respect to education.