PEDAGOGICAL INNOVATIONS AMIDST THE COVID-19 CRISIS

AN EXAMPLE OF COMPREHENSIVE SEXUALITY EDUCATION CURRICULAR AND ONLINE RESOURCE ADAPTATIONS

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing difficulties of offering sexuality education. Many public schools and community organizations deprioritized or ceased teaching it during this time of crisis. Yet, sexuality remains an integral part of identity formation, and comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) is important for overall social, emotional, and sexual well-being. Given rapid technological advances, especially young people’s sexuality and relationships co-exist within the digital sphere in ways that reproduce and challenge “normative” conceptions of gender, relationships and other intersectional and related aspects; the on- and off- line spheres co-mingle with one another. The internet and related technologies are integrated into the everyday lives and identities of contemporary young people. Though the pandemic has presented additional obstacles for CSE, it has also offered opportunities for pedagogical creativity to address these issues and for remote learning. Exploring how a particular CSE program, Our Whole Lives Sexuality Education (OWL), addresses digital technology-related topics and adapted to remote teaching in light of the pandemic is therefore fruitful for educational administrators, instructors and communities committed to providing CSE in the digital age and in times of crises.