Virtual schooling could be the future

In recent days, as parents, students and teachers across the UK eagerly anticipated the government’s announcement that in-person teaching would be phased in from March 8^th, the difficulties around remote learning have been at the forefront of many people’s minds.

Undoubtedly, the rapid shift from in-person to “emergency remote learning” required of UK schools has proven problematic for many. Recent research published in Education Week revealed that the majority of teachers have felt unsupported and felt the need for more in-depth instructional support on adapting the curriculum to an online setting. 56% of the teachers surveyed also say they have only been able to cover half of the curriculum content compared to a standard year since moving online.

Yet, a little discussed but major shift in thinking about learning is also coming about as a result of this upheaval in education. According to research conducted by leading educational group Pearson, 88% of secondary school age learners worldwide believe online learning will be a permanent part of primary, secondary, and higher education moving forward. So much so that 70% of the thousands of learners polled believe that more primary and secondary students will attend school virtually (online) than attending a traditional school within just ten years.

Aston spoke to Mickey Revenaugh, co-founder of Connections Academy to discuss about the future of education and Pearson Online Academy.

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