“Lost Connections: Australian High Schoolers Facing the Challenges of Remote Learning”

‘I’ve never met my classmates’: the Australian high schoolers sitting their year 12 exams at home

A Unique Learning Experience for Career-Minded Youths

For most year 12 students, the final year of high school is marked by crowded classrooms, PowerPoint presentations, and intense exam preparation. However, for 17-year-old Haylie Powell, her experience is quite different. As a professional skateboarder with ambitions of making it to the 2024 Paris Olympics, Powell juggles her classes alongside a rigorous training schedule. She is part of the approximately 1,400 students enrolled in distance education at Australian Christian College (ACC), the largest independent provider of distance schooling in the country. While distance learning is not new, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought it into the spotlight and attracted a growing number of students seeking a flexible educational option that allows them to pursue their passions.

Distance Learning: More Than Just “Farmer Kids”

Contrary to the stereotype that distance learning primarily serves students in remote, isolated areas, it has become a popular choice for career-minded youths like Powell. With advancements in internet access, the number of distance students has steadily grown over time. Powell, who has been pursuing her skateboarding career since the age of 13, has achieved remarkable success, ranking within the top 20 in her division and second in Australia. She has traveled extensively for competitions, juggling her studies with her jet-setting lifestyle. It’s clear that distance learning has provided Powell with the flexibility necessary to balance her educational and athletic pursuits.

The Benefits and Challenges of Distance Learning

Dr Rebecca English, a senior lecturer in education at the Queensland University of Technology, explains that the number of students opting for distance learning has “massively grown” since the pandemic. The flexibility and individualized approach offered by distance education have become attractive options for students who may struggle with traditional school environments, whether due to socialization difficulties or bullying. The ability to learn at their own pace and fit their studies around their busy schedules has been a game-changer for students like Haylie Powell and Amelia Soh, a student at the San Francisco Ballet School who studies while pursuing her professional ballet career.

However, distance learning also presents its own set of challenges. Powell recalls the difficulties she faced while studying in California, dealing with time differences and communicating with teachers who were confused about her location. The lack of face-to-face interaction with classmates has also been a unique aspect of the distance learning experience for students like Soh. Despite these challenges, both Powell and Soh express satisfaction with their choice to pursue distance education, as it allows them to prioritize their passion and gives them a different perspective on their studies.

The Future of Distance Learning in Australia

The rise in popularity of distance learning, particularly among career-minded youths, raises questions about the future of education in Australia. The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed existing flaws in the traditional school system, including teacher shortages and the need for more flexible learning options. As more students find success and satisfaction in distance education, it is crucial for educational institutions and policymakers to consider how to further support this mode of learning. Distance learning has proven to be a valuable tool for empowering students to pursue their passions while achieving academic success.

While distance learning may not be suitable for every student, it offers an alternative that meets the needs of those who require a more flexible educational experience. Instead of being limited by physical boundaries, distance learning allows students to transcend geographical constraints and pursue their dreams. As the educational landscape continues to evolve, it is important to embrace and enhance the opportunities provided by distance learning.

In conclusion, the experiences of high schoolers like Haylie Powell and Amelia Soh reflect the changing landscape of education in Australia. These career-minded youths have found a way to balance their academic and extracurricular pursuits through distance learning. With the growth of online platforms and improved internet access, distance education has become a viable option for students seeking a unique educational experience. As educators and policymakers navigate the future of education, it is crucial to acknowledge the value and potential of distance learning in empowering students and enabling them to achieve their goals.