Reflecting on Five Ways COVID-19 Transformed Education

It’s been five years since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which left a lasting impact on the global educational system. The pandemic was a forcible catalyst for change, compelling educational institutions worldwide to quickly adapt and innovate learning delivery.  

Looking back over the last five years, here are five ways that the pandemic transformed education: 

1. Destigmatization of Online Education 

Initially met with skepticism during the pandemic, online education has been more widely embraced and accepted as institutions continue to find ways to reach and engage learners, and adapt and advance alongside technology.  

According to Cengage Group's Spring 2022 Digital Learning Pulse Survey, 76% of community college students expressed interest in taking some courses fully online, up from 68% in Fall 2021. The survey also showed improved student satisfaction, with 62% rating their online experience as an "A" in Spring 2022, compared to just 40% a year earlier. 

This shift highlights that institutions and learners have not only accepted online learning programs but have also come to appreciate the flexibility and accessibility that online learning provides. Even today, there are still shifting preferences for a variety of learning formats, and educational institutions must ensure they’re empowering student choice in all facets of the educational experience. 

2. Expanded Education Pathways  

As COVID-19 created open-mindedness for online learning, it’s also reshaped postsecondary education, placing greater value and emphasis on alternative learning pathways. Rising tuition costs and the need for more accessible and flexible educational programs that fit learners’ personal lifestyles post-COVID led to the explosive growth of high-quality, shorter-form education programs. With greater access to alternative learning choices, many Americans now embrace diverse educational routes beyond the conventional four-year degree. Data from the Clearinghouse indicates nearly a 10% increase in enrollment for undergraduate certificate programs over four consecutive quarters, now 28.5% higher than in 2019. 

In today's job market, a degree no longer guarantees employment, prompting learners to critically evaluate their post-secondary choices and consider all pathways. Institutions are responding by integrating employability and skills-based learning into their offerings through collaborations with employers to develop targeted skilling programs aligned with workplace needs. The pandemic served as an inflection point, accelerating this shift towards flexible and accessible education models that closely align with workforce needs. 

3. New Workforce Needs 

As the business world began recovering from the pandemic, new skills gaps, especially in technology, emerged and exposed the need for skills-based learning to upskill and create a workforce built for the future. 

Employers found a critical disconnect between the competencies required for post-pandemic work and those possessed by job seekers, particularly in quickly evolving sectors like manufacturing, healthcare and skilled trades. Post-pandemic, businesses were not only faced with an aging workforce prepared for retirement but also an educational system that often fell short in equipping students with practical skills for new, real-world job demands. 

To tackle this challenge, educational institutions – alongside employers -- began placing greater emphasis on career-connected learning that prioritizes hands-on experiences to directly prepare students for the workforce. Key strategies include apprenticeships that offer industry-specific training alongside seasoned professionals, cooperative education programs (co-ops) that provide full-time work experience for academic credit and alternative learning opportunities such as volunteer work or immersive technology-based courses using VR/AR. By focusing on these career-connected learning initiatives, it helps close skills gaps and enhances employability, ensuring individuals are better equipped to meet the demands of the modern workforce. 

4. Generative AI Makes Its Educational Debut 

The acceptance and integration of new technology into education took another leap post-pandemic with the adoption of generative AI (GenAI) tools in classrooms. In recent years, these tools have become invaluable resources for both students and educators. Data from our recent AI & Education Report series found: 

• Rising Adoption: The use of GenAI among higher education (HED) educators nearly doubled from 24% in 2023 to 49% in 2025. This trend reflects a growing acceptance and reliance on AI technologies within academic environments. 

• Common Applications: Educators leverage GenAI for lesson planning, administrative tasks, supporting lectures, student activities and creating assessments.  

• Shifting Perceptions: Positive perceptions of AI's role in education have increased significantly. In 2023, only 28% of HED instructors viewed AI positively; this rose to 45% by 2025. 

Educators believe that GenAI can significantly impact education by becoming an integral part of learning processes, supporting lifelong learning initiatives and improving student engagement. At Cengage Group, we’re committed to leveraging AI to improve the educational experience for educators, learners and the entirety of the community. Recently, Cengage Group expanded the availability of its GenAI-powered Student Assistant to more than one million students and launched an AI-powered insights dashboard that provides faculty with personalized, actionable insights to better help them support students. 

5. Gen Z Graduates Enter the Workforce 

The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the job market, presenting unique challenges for Gen Z as they entered the workforce. Economic uncertainty and hiring freezes made securing jobs difficult, while financial barriers hindered access to necessary certifications in skilled trades. 

Despite these hurdles, Gen Z is increasingly drawn to skilled trades and embraces being coined the “Toolbelt Generation” due to the space’s promise of stability, competitive salaries and alignment with personal values. Ready to Hire research indicates that 98% of Gen Z jobseekers would consider skilled trades if training costs were covered. However, many still feel unprepared due to gaps in hands-on experience and tech-focused training. 

To promote student choice across Gen Z and future generations, it's crucial for organizations and educators to offer affordable training programs and collaborate with schools for early exposure through internships or apprenticeships. By removing financial obstacles and enhancing practical learning opportunities, Gen Z can thrive in fulfilling careers within the skilled trades or any field of their choice. 

 

In the five years since the COVID-19 pandemic, education profoundly transformed. The crisis served as a catalyst for change, driving educational institutions to innovate and adapt rapidly. Overall, these developments underscore a broader trend towards flexible education models that align closely with workforce needs—ensuring students acquire practical skills relevant today.