According to the latest report from Instructure, a learning platform and maker of Canvas Learning Management System (LMS), Filipino students are increasingly opting for skills-based education, aiming to stay competitive and match job market needs.
The findings are based on Instructure’s annual global State of Student Success and Engagement in Higher Education report for 2023, conducted in collaboration with Hanover Research.
The report, covering 17 countries with 571 participants in the Philippines, highlights key motivations driving Filipino students: the desire for new skills (77%), career growth (68%), program flexibility (59%), and career readiness (56%).
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“Students today recognize that the modern workforce requires a diverse and rapidly adaptable skill set,” said Harrison Kelly, managing director of the Asia Pacific region at Instructure. “This shift highlights the importance of adaptability in educational institutions to offer micro-credentials and programs that align with the expectations of students and employers.”
Students prioritize certificates (43%) and apprenticeships (39%) as they gravitate toward courses aligning with professional roles, signaling a need for educational institutions to adapt their offerings accordingly.
Generative AI in education
On the integration of generative AI in education, the survey reflects cautious acceptance among Filipino respondents. While 46% reported light guidelines, 28% cited strict regulations. Institutions offer tutorials (46%) to aid in the use of such tools.
Generative AI assists educators in content creation (62%), research (56%), and personalized learning (53%), while students mainly utilize it for research (83%), test preparation (52%), and language learning (47%).
Kelly highlighted efforts by universities, including Canvas users, to responsibly address AI, providing guidance to ensure its beneficial use in learning and teaching.
Technology availability (63%) and its active use (62%) significantly impact academic success, with 55% emphasizing the importance of technology training and support.
Technology access
About 65% of respondents noted the integration of educational technology solutions, especially Learning Management Systems (LMS), to provide course materials and vital student support.
However, challenges persist despite these advancements. 61% highlight technology costs as a barrier, aligning with 56% citing technology access as a key factor affecting student engagement.
Socioeconomic factors like household income (53%) and psychological well-being (46%) notably influence student engagement and faculty support. LMS is utilized to connect students to counseling (60%), support groups (52%), and well-being events (51%).
Kelly stressed the significance of these findings for institutions, faculty, and administrators to tailor strategies addressing higher education challenges and expanding educational offerings. He highlighted the growing importance of skills-based hiring, leading educational institutions to adapt by offering flexible options and micro-credentials for upskilling and reskilling.