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VC ’ s corner worry about the mental health of our students , particularly those who thrive in the face to face mode . Investigation of these low student satisfaction scores has led to explanations such as wanting to be with friends and colleagues , and also frustration with low quality online content . It is hard to determine whether these low scores were purely a phenomenon of online learning or the cumulative impact of the lockdown of communities , borders and the curtailing of opportunities . Few people have emerged unscathed from the impact of the pandemic .
The decline of students attending face to face classes is not a new phenomenon and has been observed over decades ; but the abruptness and breadth of campus lockdowns has been challenging and the lack of options confronting , and in some instances exasperating . The pandemic has also emphasised that campus life is about so much more than the lecture : providing many social opportunities for students and also important sources for instrumental and social support that are not readily transferable online . Over the last decade we have seen the rise of the massive open online course ( MOOC ) as well as online educational providers and the increased sophistication of pedagogical approaches .
Like many academics I am sure you have received a range of responses about the prospect of returning to campus . Issues span beyond the immediate considerations of COVID-19 and the contested vaccination debate to how to adapt back to a face to face model of delivery . Many students are champing at the bit to come back to campus while others have become used to digital delivery and are expecting increased flexibility in scheduling and interacting with colleagues .
Similarly , some faculty are adept at online delivery while others consider it alienating . This will be an important challenge for us all to rise to : how to create learning environments where teachers and learners can equally thrive . Many of us who have espoused principles of adult learning for decades are now being forced to put our money where our mouth is . The immersion of individuals in planning their content and access to material is important and the transparency of the online milieu opens us all up to greater scrutiny and accountability . Over recent decades we have already advanced down this path through the very basic access to lecture recordings , which is now ubiquitous , through to providing students with the capacity to curate content and gain access to 24-hour support .
As in many issues in life , dichotomous solutions are polarising and dividing . So juxtaposing online and face to face as discrete and distinct options is not a good solution . It takes us down a path of identity and tribalism which are all too divisive forces in society . As we look to a post-COVID era and a recalibration of teaching and learning to our new world order , we have to consider the way in which we describe our educational activities and also how we adjust expectations and learning norms .
Blended learning models are those which combine online and face-to-face methods . Hybrid learning is a strategy for combining traditional face-to-face classroom experiences in tandem with experiential learning and digital course delivery . These approaches can be augmented by learning management systems and other digital tools which can promote learner interaction and monitor engagement . As digital strategies advance and with artificial intelligence evolving , the potential for advancing online education are endless .
Adaptive learning uses algorithms to tailor educational content to the individual ’ s learning style and pace . These terms and the discussion of online pedagogy are familiar to academics , but less so for current and prospective students . Ensuring that students understand delivery modes and choose courses appropriately is important . Considering learning style and mode of delivery are likely to be equally important considerations as course content when perusing course catalogues in the future .
Making sure prospective students understand the model of course delivery is fundamentally important in ensuring alignment of expectations as well as targeting and tailoring information to individual student needs . The period of lockdowns has also underscored that universities provide much more than merely educational courses but a place for engagement and promotion of social capital as well as shelter , food and health
An important myth to overcome is that online education is cheaper and easier – this is so far from the truth .
care . Students have identified that even if they can ’ t gather on campus , other places such as coffee shops , can fill this void . As we look to the future of online education , there is an important mandate to create safe and respectful places where students can engage whether online or face to face .
Online learning is becoming increasingly important because of the accessibility , convenience and flexibility . An important myth to overcome is that online education is cheaper and easier – this is so far from the truth . We need to make sure that students are able to enrol in courses , in specific modalities based on their learning needs . As universities we need to ensure that students understand our nomenclature and staff and students alike are clear on expectations .
The COVID-19 period has demonstrated the widespread applicability and utility of online education increasing both reach and impact . Personally , I was impressed by engagement in a Future Learn MOOC I led at the beginning of the pandemic . During the first two months of the course from 18 May to 18 July 2020 , 10,130 individuals from 156 countries enrolled . More than 51 per cent of participants were actively engaged and 30 per cent completed over 90 per cent of the course content by the end .
The student engagement was moving , chastening and elucidating on living in a pandemic . In a digital age , universities are well placed to provide students with material education anywhere , anytime and anyplace . Given the transformative impact of education in society this is an exciting time to lead social change . Making sure that we ensure our models of learning are truly student-centred and promote access are important as we move into an exciting era of university education . ■
Patricia Davidson is vice chancellor at the University of Wollongong .
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