How long should kids spend in online lessons? I’ve no idea. I can tell you this though: in my experience it should be less — a lot less — than the time they would spend in lessons in school.

I say this for the following reasons:

First, having occasionally spent around 5 hours myself in online lessons (as a student) in one day, I find it totally draining. I know you might think that’s because I’m old and decrepit, or that I’m some kind of weakling, but those aren’t the reasons. I can easily spend 10 or 12 hours a day working, including writing, reading and other activities. About a week ago I ventured into London, visited several establishments, and walked in total just under 10 miles. I only started feeling mildly tired in the last mile or so — so there’s nothing wrong with my stamina.

No, I think the issue is staring at a screen, which is tiring in itself, concentrating on what the tutor and other students are saying, and trying to “read” the class without the benefit of most of the non-verbal clues in body language.

Second, being online for long periods of time goes against all health and safety advice, and probably most health and safety regulations.

Third, it’s counter-productive. There is plenty of research showing that after a certain period of time — 15 or 20 minutes — concentration drops off. I know you can vary the activities, which is what any half decent teacher would do in the classroom, but I don’t think that’s enough when you’re online. I think you need a short break, even if it’s just a minute to get up, stretch your legs, get a glass of water.

I only mention this now because I read recently that there are some schools that are making their students spend all day online as if they were in school. Perhaps that sort of thing pleases parents who are are paying for their child’s education, or is a good defence against those who think that being stuck at home during lockdown has been an extended holiday for teachers. But I think if you are going to have all day lessons, a lot of thought has to go into how they’re structured. Making sure that not all of the activities take place online would be a good starting point.

If you enjoyed this article, why not sign up to my free newsletter, Digital Education?