My Experience of Online Learning
The university experience has certainly shifted in these last few months. Everything from the way lectures are running, to the experience of halls has had to adapt to these frightening and very challenging times we are currently in. One of the biggest changes has come in the way that many sessions have now being moved online as opposed to the more familiar classrooms and lecture theatres on-site. While it’s undoubtedly an odd experience, I wanted to consider and reflect on my experience of online learning so far.
Part of life in general is trying new experiences and embracing them. So, while it is not what many of us saw coming as part of our university life, it’s always good being faced with something new, something which takes us out our comfort zones a little. The online experience has given us a new set of challenges, in trying to adapt to a whole new environment of learning. It’s hard to embrace something we aren’t keen on, or aren’t used to, but if we can do this, we might be able to find some enjoyment in it as a new experience.
When I’m feeling stressed about the situation, I think it’s important to remember we are all in the same boat — including our lecturers. On consideration, while I’m by no means a whizz with technology, there have been a few giggles during my lectures when the lecturer has struggled with some of the technology. When they couldn’t work out how to bring us back from breakout groups, for instance. It made me realise that it’s been no easy feat for them either. For things like marking work, they now have to resort to digital means, which is much more complicated than the old pen and paper. We have all had to undergo these changes and are by no means alone in this. Perhaps, there is some comfort to be found in that last thought.
A slight confession on my behalf, but I have been guilty of completing some of my online lectures sitting in bed, pj’s and all. And I have to admit, I’ve enjoyed it. Being in third year now, the workload is starting to intensify, so its been nice to be able to relax a little while studying. Luckily, I haven’t had to use my camera much else that would have been somewhat embarrassing! It’s been my sort of fun way of looking at the online learning. It’s definitely not something I was ever able to do before these changes came into play. I’ve appreciated those few extra lie-ins as well!
With Covid seemingly not going away anytime soon, this alternative is no doubt the safest measure. It’s completely natural to feel unsettled at the moment, but when thinking about what’s going on all around us, keeping everyone safe has never been more important. Eventually, we will come out the other side of this, and normality will come back to us. But for now, we’ve got to try and make the most of this unique learning environment.
Written by Lauren Davison
