international education campusreview . com . au
What we are likely to see is a gradual , calculated and slow return to the classroom under the guise of a ‘ hybrid ’ delivery .
Looking ahead
What the lack of onshore international students in 2021 means for 2022 .
By Greg Whateley
The outlook for international student recruitment for onshore delivery in 2021 is indeed looking bleak .
The current expectation is for another tight trimester 3 ( from September 2021 ) followed by an optimistic upturn in 2022 . A recent Campus Review article , including data from Quacquarelli Symonds ( QS ), provides a useful blueprint ( in six parts ) for a considered 2022 recovery , including a clear timetable , accessible and low cost quarantine , strong student support , up-todate course information , offshore online options , and online interactivity .
But what of 2021 ? Essentially , international student education will remain online for the rest of the year .
ONLINE DELIVERY , HERE AND NOW Online delivery of courses is the here and now , and remnants will remain well into the middle of the decade . In many instances , it will become the backbone of delivery in what is often referred to as a ‘ flipped ’ classroom . In the context of the online mode presently in use , the flipped classroom encourages students to work independently on theory ( readings and the like ) and come together in groups to action ( practical application ) what has been read .
HYBRID EXPLAINED BUT NOT NECESSARILY EMBRACED
Hybrid is the likely 2021 and 2022 option irrespective of border openings . Though , what we are likely to see is a gradual , calculated and slow return to the classroom under the guise of a
‘ hybrid ’ delivery with ‘ flipped ’ pedagogy embedded . The model works on the principle that all classes are provided in a dual format – both online and with the option of students being able to attend live recordings in measured , COVID safe ways . In essence , the classroom becomes a television studio where TEDx type sessions are delivered to a live audience . Although the model requires significant investment around the technology needed , it is currently in place at a number of providers including my own institution , UBSS .
The extent of attending live audiences is a decision for the students themselves . UBSS has systematically measured the level of enthusiasm from students to return to campus in a hybrid context . Our most recent survey ( June 2021 ) delivered a resounding 92 per cent preference to stay online ( 94 per cent for postgraduate students and 90 per cent for undergraduate students ). The face-toface option is a low priority . The reasons provided for online preference include :
• It is safer at home .
• COVID is still around and the vaccine has not rolled out .
• It is more convenient studying from home .
• It is the same as face-to-face study , but easier . All indicators suggest even a hybrid return to campus by international students will be slow and measured .
BUBBLES , AND MORE BUBBLES The concept of travel and study bubbles appear to have lost traction for the time being . The concept , though , is solid . From an international student perspective , the option should remain alive , and may be possible from September 2021 .
Even if students continue to travel through the bubble arrangement , a significant number would wish to remain online even though they are onshore – the hybrid approach would solve this problem .
VACCINATION A KEY ELEMENT The notion of increased vaccination remains a topic of considerable currency . Legitimate and formal vaccination evidence may also inject ( no pun intended ) some hope into the 2021 return of international students . If significant numbers of students can be vaccinated and Australia maintains its current enthusiasm for the jab , there is the possibility of student movement ( within bubbles ). In 2021 , we will see minimal opportunity here , but this may grow in mid-2022 .
TRANSNATIONAL THINKING A number of current international students are studying online from offshore locations . This needs to be further encouraged and ramped up . Approximately 14 per cent of students at UBSS are studying offshore , unable to return to Australia . The feedback to date has been positive , and in terms of access to resources ( including student support ), the response has been largely indistinguishable from the onshore students .
TEQSA , the higher education regulator , recently published a strong piece supporting transnational options as one of many strategies to reinvent Australia as a quality and accessible student destination – albeit virtual . The regulator , on this occasion , is being proactive and useful .
So , who knows what tomorrow will bring ? In the short term , 2021 will continue to be a virtual world with the option of a hybrid opportunity for a slow return to campus . The lessons of 2020 and 2021 , thus far , have taught us to invest in our technology and maximise student experience outcomes with an ongoing commitment to learner engagement and student support . ■
Emeritus Professor Greg Whateley is deputy vice chancellor of Group Colleges Australia .
10