The UK’s higher education watchdog has launched a review of “blended-learning”—a combination of in-person and online delivery of the courses.
The OfS said that many universities have continued to deliver some elements of their courses online despite the fact there’re no longer legal restrictions preventing them from fully returning to in-person teaching.
A panel of expert academic reviewers, led by Professor Susan Orr, current Learning and Teaching Pro Vice Chancellor at York St John University and incoming Education Pro Vice Chancellor at De Montfort University, will examine the different approaches to blended-learning by universities.
According to OfS Chief Executive Nicola Dandridge, the review will aim to “gain a deeper understanding of whether—and why—universities and colleges propose to keep certain elements online.”
The panel is expected to produce a report in the summer to set out which approaches represent high-quality teaching and learning and which approaches fell short of the OfS’s requirements.
Dandridge said “there are clear benefits to in-person learning” and that the “return to relative normality is important” after the “enormously challenging two years for students and staff.”
She stressed that universities and colleges need to be clear with current and prospective students about how their courses will be delivered and provide face-to-face teaching where it is promised.
“If universities decide that certain elements are to remain online, this should be made explicit,” she said, adding the quality of either method “must be good.”
A Department for Education spokesperson said: “The government has removed all restrictions on in-person teaching, meaning providers are able to offer the full face-to-face teaching experience that they were offering before the pandemic.
“The Education Secretary has made clear that we want universities to be open and transparent with students by publishing the proportion of in-person teaching students can expect.
“Virtual learning is a fantastic innovation, one that can be used to complement and enhance a student’s learning experience, not detract from it, but it should not be used as a cost-cutting exercise.
“The OfS should ensure that students receive the educational experience that their provider has promised and so we look forward to seeing the outcome of this review.”
