Australian learners see COVID-19 as a major turning point for modern education.
Seventy-eight per cent of Australian learners say the COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed education as we know it, according to a study released in Australia today.
Pearson, the world's learning company, released the results of a global learner survey of more than 7,000 learners, revealing learners' perceptions around education and the impact of COVID-19 on the space globally and locally. Those findings appear in the second annual Global Learner Survey, which captures the opinions and views of learners worldwide.
The survey shows learners believe it’s unlikely there will be a return to the pre-COVID world of entirely full-time in-person work and learning. As they come to terms with this new reality, learners want schools and governments to address inequality in the learning experience, and desire digital skills they believe they will need to thrive in the new economy.
Pearson conducted the study during the pandemic with Harris Insights & Analytics, giving learners in seven countries the opportunity to voice their opinions on primary, secondary and higher education and careers and the future of work. The poll surveyed more than 7,000 people globally, ranging in age from 16 to 70, including more than 1,000 Australian learners. Now in its second year, Pearson’s Global Learner Survey is the most comprehensive global public opinion survey of its kind.
“Australian school, tertiary and adult learners, along with their global counterparts, are encountering unique challenges in their education in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and it’s crucial we hear their perspectives on learning in the world today".
“Their voices are added pressure on institutions who are already facing financial and societal pressure during the pandemic.
“Government funding remains tight. Long, expensive degrees are losing relevance and education is becoming more demand driven and tied to employability than ever before.
“This pandemic is also highlighting that significant inequalities in education are a major concern for Australian learners.
“But with these constraints comes creativity. We are working with many schools, universities and vocational institutions who are coming up with innovative ways to attract, engage and, progress learners, both online and in the classroom.”
The Global Learner Survey’s top findings for Australian learners included: