Strauss, Annaly MagdaBipath, Keshni2022-10-122022-10-122021Strauss, A.M. & Bipath, K. 2021, 'Evolving trends of distance learning for basic education in Namibia : a parental perspective during Covid-19 lockdown', Journal for Language Teaching, vol. 55, no. 1, pp. 57-75, doi : 10.4314/jlt.v51i1.3.0259-9570 (online)10.4314/jlt.v51i1.3https://repository.up.ac.za/handle/2263/87655Ingenious technology-driven education has become prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic in schools. This article solicits pre-primary to Grade 12 learners' parents’/ guardians’ views and experiences of distance learning in Namibia during the COVID-19 lockdown. The study employs a mixed-methods research design to gather and analyse data. The analysis of the qualitative data revealed the following main themes: 1) Barriers to distance learning, and 2) Suggestions to overcome these challenges. The sub-themes were: 1) Communication, 2) Teaching and learning 3) Economic challenges, and 4) Materials and equipment. The results of a quantitative analysis revealed that 73,7% of the participating parents’ children had not received any form of education, and 23,7% affirmed that their children had received some education. 53% of the parents whose children had received an education were very dissatisfied. Therefore, the participating parents’ expectations of e-learning were not positively associated with the provision thereof. Lack of digital literacy prevented teachers from actively engaging with learners in digital communities.enSouth African Association for Language Teaching (SAALT)Distance learningCOVID-19 lockdownTeaching and learningBasic educationArticle