As the government prepares to unveil its plan for a $12 billion online learning overhaul, we’re getting a look at how the nation’s public schools are preparing to teach the future.

The National Education Union (NEU), which represents 1,000 schools across Australia, said it will introduce new qualifications in the early 2020s, including one for advanced degree holders.

Education Minister Simon Birmingham said the changes were a response to the country’s online learning challenges, which include an increase in students completing online courses but a lack of access to quality teaching.

“Online education is one of the most critical areas of national education reform, and we have to make sure that we get the best education for all Australians,” Mr Birmingham said.

“This is the right time for us to provide our students with the best possible qualifications in a global marketplace.”

Education Minister, Simon Birmingham, will announce the government’s online education overhaul in 2018.

Mr Birmingham said some schools would not be able to accommodate a new qualification and other schools might need to re-evaluate their curricula.

“Schools need to think about the future of their teaching and learning and they need to understand that this is the time to change,” he said.

“We’re going to make it easier for schools to do that and we’re going the right direction.”

Education Secretary Simon Birmingham.

Photo: Peter BraigA spokesman for the NEU said it welcomed the introduction of online learning in the past, but there was still much work to do.

“We are confident that the reforms will result in an improved quality of teaching and students receiving the very best teaching and student outcomes possible,” the spokesman said.

The national education standards body, the Australian College of Education, said the new qualifications would help schools prepare for the digital world.

“In order to meet the digital challenge of the 21st century, Australian schools need to be equipped to prepare students for the changes to digital learning,” it said.

But Mr Birmingham stressed that the government was committed to teaching all Australians the skills they need for the workforce.

“It’s important that our schools continue to provide an excellent education for the students who need it and the jobs that are being created in our economy, and this is what we’re committed to,” he told ABC Radio Melbourne.

“But there’s more that can be done.”

So this is a long-term investment.

There’s more we need to do to prepare our schools for the future.

“Topics:education,education-industry,education,australiaFirst posted March 18, 2020 14:15:42Contact Ashley JonesMore stories from Australia