Every week, HEADlines brings you the latest news, stories and commentaries in education and healthcare. This week, get insights on the latest developments in education. image Creative adaptations and benefits in online learning Despite it posing major complications to education at large, there are benefits to remote learning in providing some children with a more focused, less distracting environment in which to learn; children with special needs, in particular, have thrived in a year of virtual learning, a discovery that can inform future renditions of classrooms catering to different learners’ needs. A United States poll has found a robust majority of parents judge their kids to be on track or even ahead of schedule during a year of virtual learning; some even opt to continue online mediums of instruction as physical schools slowly reopen. In Japan, some schools run Virtual Reality classes, creating a simulated three-dimensional environment where students can freely interact and explore their campuses. This unique adaptation of technology primarily used in gaming and pop culture breaks up the isolation and monotony of Zoom classes, expanding possibilities for combining both in-person and virtual modes of learning. Lessons and innovations from this era of virtual learning should be brought into the future, where practical benefits and creative innovations in the use of technology are not forgotten, but integrated into the mainstream. Education in the Spotlight The Hechinger Report: How a decline in community college students is a big problem for the economy Even in a challenging economy, there are many jobs with employee benefits in the construction and skilled trades – but no one to take them up. Inside Higher Ed: The Coursera IPO and why every university should publish an S-1 Are there advantages for universities to publicly articulate organisational risk factors? The Straits Times: After-school support in secondary schools has helped boost student attendance: Maliki Osman An after-school scheme in which students are given close support and supervision has seen positive outcomes of improved student attendance and higher confidence and self-esteem levels among participating students. The Guardian: A Bullingdon in reverse: how a working-class student club is taking on elitism The 93% Club, begun at Bristol University by a state-educated student, is snowballing nationally, with big firms now taking note. The New York Times: What can Biden’s plan do for poverty? Look to Bangladesh As Bangladesh turns 50, its surprising success offers lessons about investing in the most marginalised. The Straits Times: Commonwealth Secondary School nurturing next generation of environmental stewards The school created eco habitats on campus, such as a rainforest and a wetland, to educate students on sustainable living. The Straits Times: Singapore lays out plan for green and sustainable future In schools, environmental education will be strengthened and deepened, with learning resources featuring sustainability initiatives within the school developed to help make the learning come alive.