The Learning Journey of a High School Student from the Historic Class of 2021

Out of roughly 600,000 students who started high school in 2018 when the Education 2.0 reforms were being rolled out, this chapter profiles the learning journey of 'Laila' and her friends. It uses a technique of longitudinal oral history research to record three turbulent school years starting with Grade 10 when all students received tablets and the ministry launched multiple digital initiatives, Grade 11 during the COVID-19 pandemic with the school shutdowns, and Grade 12, a year of hybrid schooling and intense preparations for the Thanaweya Amma university entrance exam. Some takeaways are that even as electronic exams were supposed to eliminate cheating, and digital learning platforms were meant to serve as an alternative to private lessons, both remain widespread and have adapted to new technologies. Students often reap real benefits from the digital tools and platforms but still want and value strong teachers and need the in-person time together with classmates and school communities.