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Aussie living rooms transforming into online classrooms

Fast broadband and online video - the new Australian chalkboard!

As we continue to thrive in the digital age and demand for fast broadband increases, the consumption of online video is on the up.

A research commissioned by nbn suggests that 39 per cent of Australians are turning to online video to pursue their desire for learning, and are doing so from the comfort of their own homes.

The research reveals that over 80 per cent of those watching content online are viewing tutorials to upskill and remain on the path of continued learning. 

Of the Aussies surveyed as part of the research, 77 per cent said they watch online videos to become more interesting, knowledgeable and appear impressive to their peers.

So what are all these people watching?

The survey reveals that the nation has a diverse range of interests when it comes to their choice of online learning. 

Aussies who are consuming online videos say that they do so in order to:

Amy Fulthorpe, her sister, and cousin in Bathurst taking hip-hop dance lessons online from Penrith-based choreographer Jayden Rodrigues. 

  • Learn DIY skills (48 per cent)
  • Cook something new (48 per cent)
  • Discover a new craft (30 per cent)
  • Master a new language (20 per cent)
  • Play a musical instrument (17 per cent)
  • Perform a new type of dance (11 per cent)
  • Learn a parenting skill (9 per cent)

"The research shows that we’re curious by nature and that learning goes on throughout our lives. Access to high-speed internet means we can now choose our teachers and subjects, and all from the comfort of our home," says Dr Phillip Branch , Senior Lecturer in Telecommunications, Centre for Advanced Internet Architectures.

Sydney-based choregrapher Jayden Rodrigues  is a case in point. 

Jayden is a popular dance teacher and has transformed his living room into a hip-hop dance studio to offer online tutorials and share his passion of dance with the world. 

"All I wanted to do since I was 14 years old was to share my passion for dance with those around me and this was often done in the school hall or in my home with my family. Now, thanks to online video, I'm able to post my dance tutorials online so that people all over Australia can access them and learn my routines in their homes," he says.

Take a look at Jayden's online dance studio and read more about his story here.

Research methodology: The research was commissioned by nbn, the company building Australia’s new landline phone and internet network, and developed by Colmar Brunton, with a Australian sample size of 500 people – September 2015. The figures have been calculated based off the ABS estimation of the Australian population 23,892,211, correct as of 10 September 2015. Research reveals 51 per cent of Australians are using the internet to stream video content and of this group 83 per cent are using it to pursue watch online tutorials.




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