Final answer:
Western Europe's education systems moved towards practical literacy following the decline of Roman authority, and as Europe became more rural, institutional learning weakened. The church was the primary institution to keep scholarship alive, but the overall education level fell, contributing to the 'Dark Ages' terminology.
Step-by-step explanation:
The education system in Western Europe underwent significant transformations following the collapse of the Roman Empire. During the early Middle Ages, the region saw a shift from the classical values of Latin scholarship to a more pragmatic approach to literacy, essential for survival rather than a mark of elite status. As cities declined and Europe became increasingly rural, institutions of learning weakened, and travel and commerce were hindered due to the lack of a strong centralized state. Conversely, in the Byzantine Empire and Islamic kingdoms, trade and urban life thrived, and some classical traditions were preserved. The church emerged as the primary keeper of scholarship, but education levels in Europe still fell, leading to the period being labeled as the 'Dark Ages' by later Renaissance thinkers.