‘A freedom of students to choose’: student and staff perspectives on the future role of online learning in higher education

Abstract

COVID-19 represented a time of disruption and innovation, with online learning ensuring students could still engage with their studies. With the pandemic stabilised, survey data (N > 600) were used to examine ongoing use and perceptions of online learning at a UK university. Despite some reversion to in-person practice, online provision still plays a significant role. These data indicated students are more likely to hold positive perceptions of online learning, identifying benefits such as enhanced accessibility and skill development. They also believed it reduces teaching costs, raising questions about student knowledge regarding the investment needed to development online provision. Students evidenced exhibiting choice over how they engaged with their studies. Finally, students with barriers to campus attendance (e.g. commuters) were more positively disposed to online provision than peers who relocated for their studies. This study highlights the need for universities to calibrate student and staff expectations regarding the role of online learning.