Research and insights
Explore what 6,817 educators had to say, as well as how we’re working to best support teaching and learning wherever it happens.
On this page, find out more about:
Positives | Challenges | Looking to the future | How we can support you
Digital upskilling
More than three in five educators (64%) reported that students’ digital skills have improved with the shift to online learning.
Independent learning
35% of educators said students’ independent learning improved during online learning throughout lockdowns.
Some increased focus
13% of primary educators and 34% of secondary educators mentioned students having fewer distractions as a benefit of digital learning.
For staff since adopting more online learning as a result of the pandemic
Digital upskilling
81% of educators think that digital skills amongst staff improved due to
delivering more online learning.
More creativity
More than a quarter of educators (26%) mentioned that the shift to online learning led to increased creativity in lesson delivery or content.
Work-life balance
22% of primary educators and 27% of secondary educators reported an improved work-life balance as a benefit of implementing more online learning.
Social isolation
79% of educators highlighted that a lack of social interaction with peers was a challenge their students faced during online learning in the pandemic.
Digital divide
Overall, 55% of educators noted access to digital resources and technology as a challenge for their students. This increased to 74% reporting it in schools with the highest proportion of students eligible for free school meals.
Motivation
More than four in five educators (83%) said that keeping students motivated was the biggest challenge with remote online teaching and learning.
For staff since adopting more digital learning as a result of the pandemic
Accurate assessments
35% of primary staff and 47% of secondary staff mentioned implementing accurate student assessments as a challenge with remote learning.
More work
Three in five educators (61%) found increased workload one of the biggest challenges when delivering remote online learning.
Tailoring learning
55% of educators mentioned it was a challenge to personalise or differentiate students’ learning.
Onscreen assessment
59% of secondary school teachers and 36% of primary school teachers expect to see increased use of onscreen assessment in the future of education.
Parental engagement
34% of teachers predict that technology will drive-up parents’ engagement with their children’s learning in the years ahead.
Opportunity for flexibility
More than one in three teachers (36%) think there’ll be greater flexibility in teaching roles such as working from home or job sharing.
* The survey was carried out on 6,817 educators in February 2021, including classroom teachers, middle leaders and school leaders (including headteachers). The data has been reweighted to make it representative of the population.
Here to support you
To support you and your school on your online learning journey, and to alleviate some of the challenges highlighted in this research, take a look at the below. We’d love to hear your thoughts on the research too, so join the #digitalclassroomsurvey conversation on twitter @PearsonSchools.
Free event: Digital Live
We believe in the power of technology and innovation to enhance education. That's why we're working with educators, young people and experts to drive new innovations, inspire digital confidence, unlock new opportunities and make a tangible impact in schools.
Introducing ActiveHub
ActiveHub harnesses insights, resources and assessments, using technology to connect and personalise teaching and learning wherever and whenever it happens. Say hello to our most powerful digital service for UK schools yet.
Healthy and happy schools
We are passionate about creating a culture of positive wellbeing and mental health and are committed to working together with teachers and senior leaders to help build healthy and happy schools. Explore our Wellbeing Zone that's packed with resources for teachers, parents and young people, and much more.