While versus During

The words "while" and "during" are very similar and often can be used to talk about the same event.

However, they are used differently.

While is used when we think of two actions at the same time. e.g.

While I was having a lesson we did a writing task.

N.b. In the fist example we think of the lesson as a noun similar to a film, or football match. In the second example we concentrate on the action.