Various experts have said Coronavirus is here to stay, or at least until a vaccine is discovered. To date, most UK universities have yet to announce when facilities will reopen. Yet most are planning on returning to study in the autumn on schedule. Cambridge University demonstrated how seriously they took it and their willingness to adapt by moving all study online for the next academic year. Others followed suit quickly to ensure as smooth an adaptation period as possible.

But the groundwork was already set down this year with all exams moving online for this summer.

Why Do This Now?

Despite that most countries are now at the top of the curve or on the decline, this is not over. The current coronavirus pandemic is expected to hit a second peak, probably in the autumn. This move from Cambridge and others is in anticipation of the projected second peak arriving on the predicted schedule.

It was reported in The Guardian in May that as many as 20% of students were reconsidering studying for a degree this year. Concerns about social distancing and the spread of coronavirus through large communities like a study body means a record number are already considering deferral. If true, this will create a major headache for education establishments for the 2021-22 academic year.

This Could Create Lasting Change

Students trialling the online study systems already in place this year have responded positively. Comments range for commending material accessibility, extra Q&A sessions making the learning process more diverse and making lecture attendance easier for sick students and those who miss the bus to campus.

It’s important to note that universities are not merely shifting from one format to another. They are changing how they deliver lectures and seminars, ensuring the study materials are comprehensive and designed with an online only mindset.

With an estimated cost of £1bn, universities are desperate to retain as many students as possible. It’s highly likely that any new remote learning infrastructure is here to stay.

Drawbacks to Online Study (According to Students)

Critiques of the online plan as a permanent solution feel that cutting out the campus life will damage the university experience. Building the comradeship between friends and the group work that fosters communication and teamwork for future employment. It also builds the confidence or meeting new people, essential to the education system from the earliest years of schooling.

There is also the concern that tuition fees make online only learning poor value for money. Students feel they are getting less than students from last year, not more because of the services moved online. One potential solution is “blended” or “hybrid” learning where courses mix up both online and offline elements.