Greater accessibility to education creates options despite Covid challenges

Covid and lockdowns have negatively impacted on the school, study and career options for countless people.

But despite the fact that the world has changed, there are many accessible and affordable options available to those who need to finish their schooling, get a first qualification to get a foot in the door of their dream career, upskill, or re-skill into a new field, an education expert said.

Khanyisa Tlala, senior student relations officer at Oxbridge Academy said, “The world of work has changed irrevocably in the wake of the Covid pandemic, with research conducted by the World Economic Forum showing that about 40% of all workers will require re-skilling, and 95% of business leaders indicating they expect employees to pick up new skills on the job.”

Tlala said while lifelong learning was always a great way to differentiate yourself from the competition in the market, it had now become an imperative for ambitious and driven people to ensure they complemented their existing skills to remain competitive and relevant in our constantly evolving jobs market.

“The good news is that regardless of your current situation, increasing educational options means that learning is within the reach of many more people than before, in terms of affordability, accessibility, and the ability to learn while working.”

He said while Covid and the lockdowns had derailed the dreams of so many, the good news was that it was possible to make a fresh start with a view to the future, and doing so was within the reach of most.

TECHNOLOGY & AFFORDABILITY

“Technology has made education more affordable. While distance learning has always been an affordable study option, the internet has made it even more so. You can access any course from practically anywhere in the country or indeed the world, without having to move to a new place to attend in person. This saves time and money, and allows for more flexibility and accessibility.”

COMMUNICATION IS DIGITAL

In years gone by, distance learning students had to pay for printing and postage when submitting assignments. Now, however, digital communication from Skype to email, WhatsApp and other social media channels allow connection with student advisors and submission of assignments to happen faster, more easily, and at lower cost.

BETTER (AND FREE) WI-FI COVERAGE

As Wi-Fi hotspots increase across the country and the rest of the world, many more people are able to access the internet, do research, submit assignments, and download study material for free in public places, including, for instance, public libraries.

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