AONTAS launched the CEN Census survey during the event, “Community Education in a Time of COVID-19: building back better together for community education” held virtually on Monday, 12th October. The survey, which is open to members of the AONTAS Community Education Network, can be completed here. (Please note the CEN Census survey deadline has been extended to 5pm on Monday, 30th November)
The purpose of the survey is to map community education provision across the AONTAS Community Education Network (CEN), identifying: number of learners, available courses, funding streams, target groups and learner supports. Data is being gathered for the period of September 2019 to August 2020 and will allow for the creation of a virtual map showing the breadth of provision across the CEN.
As a pilot survey, initiated in a time of COVID-19, the research also gathers key data on the impact of COVID-19 on community education organisations in 2020. The latter half of the survey focusses on the move to emergency remote learning, changes in learner engagement, funding, staffing, and plans to ensure continuity of learning during COVID-19. Data gathered in the survey will be used to supplement qualitative research undertaken through focus groups with learners and practitioners and will contribute to a final report on "Community Education in a Time of COVID-19". In capturing the impact of COVID-19, the research will highlight the agility of the sector in responding to the crisis and key priorities for advocacy in 2021.
For further information on the AONTAS CEN and the Census, click here. If you have any questions on this research or require assistance in completing the survey please contact AONTAS Research Officer, Eve Cobain: ecobain@aontas.com
Publications and resources developed in relation to this research can be accessed below.