University of Leicester students frustrated by blended learning
Students are frustrated by this year’s rules on who studies in-person and who takes their classes online at Leicester University.
Undergraduates have been debating the importance of online learning, and why it’s necessary for them to be taught face-to-face.
Ignite, also known as blended learning, was introduced to provide flexible learning in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The outcry occurs after new freshers learned that some students are on campus more than others.
One student studying Journalism experiences split learning, with all lectures online and seminars in-person.
She said: ‘‘It’s difficult because some students find having a tutor[ial] face-to-face is more beneficial. You don’t get the full experience stuck in your room.
“Sometimes it’s nice to be able to sit in your room but it would be nice to get the experience everyone else is getting.”
‘‘It’s difficult because some students find having a tutor[ial] face-to-face is more beneficial. You don’t get the full experience stuck in your room.
Some students undergo all aspects of learning online. Another undergraduate taking Law said: “It’s difficult having lectures online. We have four modules and if there’s something we don’t understand we can’t talk about it because it feels like there is no one to talk to.’
Other first years who have learning on campus have divided views.
One student taking Business said: “It’s a lot easier to focus in lecture theatres as it’s easier to get into the learning mindset. And it’s a lot easier to ask questions and have group discussions.”
But some students disagree with face-to-face learning. One said: “I don’t really find in-person teaching beneficial as our lectures mostly read straight off the slides which are going to be on blackboard anyway. I feel I would gain more working from home under these circumstances.”
The impact on students and their education as we are transitioning from Covid guidelines is prompting a cause for change in the system.
Module coordinators are yet to respond on what lies ahead for students and online learning.
Image: Ellie Fleury
Kerry Sawyer is a first year Journalism student from Leighton Buzzard. She has a love for music, playing the drums and her dogs Hector and Bobby.
University of Leicester's Student Magazine
