Pre-recorded lectures and the future of further education
The modern university culture has come a long way since chalk and blackboards were the primary medium for learning. Whiteboards and rubbers came next. In fact, my university needed a new building to support the shift to a more technology-driven system; sockets everywhere, automatic lighting and plenty of computer access. As Universities become more virtual, both challenges and opportunities arise for the future of further education.
The impact of the corona virus on teaching methods
Since the global pandemic of Covid-19. Universities were forced to move entirely online. “in-person” became synchronous video calls over the internet, and asynchronous lecture videos became how the weekly content was learnt. When things started opening up again, the university adopted an updated method of teaching known as blended learning. The weekly recorded content videos remained as the campus came alive, and in-person lectures were returned.
Remote learning benefits
When recording attendance can happen with the mere press of a button on a student’s device. A student can record attendance anywhere they have access to the internet. With the increasing cost of living for the infamously indebted student, the idea of a remote university experience can appear quite appealing. So, does blended learning make education more accessible if the location is a limiting factor? I’d argue yes. Though local experiences have benefited more desirable depending on the course, for example, Biology may require a more interactive experience when going into the labs.
The modern library
The term “library” in the everyday language of the student refers less to a building with shelves of books as opposed to a building that provides a suitable space to study in silence. Physical books required for most courses can be replaced by online textbook copies, which can easily be sourced. Debatably, many University degrees now depend on the university to supply the equipment. The only tool nowadays to learn entire degrees is merely a working laptop with access to the internet. Knowledge and information can be sourced through a simple search, leaving the old-fashioned use of a University library gradually more redundant.
Is it really worth it anymore?
It’s not uncommon knowledge that the payment for university is on the expensive side of things. For a UK student in a UK University, the tuition fee is £9.25k annually. For an international student, it is up to roughly £22k annually. However, very ironically, I’d argue a University’s biggest competition is the free online video platform: YouTube. The breadth and depth of information on a platform that utilises its vast audience and varied creators most likely have a video by an expert teaching the content in the lecture video. Although it cannot guarantee correctness or content directly in line with the course. It is a powerful competitor to the costly blended learning provided by the university.
Are apprenticeships looking more appealing?
Whilst learning can happen without acknowledgement, and the novelty and scarcity of a degree have become normalised and standard, the appeal of having a degree in a field may still be attractive. In that case, those wanting a more practical approach to a degree may be more interested in the apprenticeship approach. University courses are more broad and theoretical, covering various topics and disciplines. On the other hand, apprenticeships are more focused and specific, providing training in a particular trade or profession. There are fewer virtual lecture recordings to watch, and earning a wage is expected instead of graduating with debt.
A new system for examinations?
During the pandemic, exams were done online. Whilst the majority of exams did revert back to in-person, on-paper examinations. Many exams also adopted the online style. Where exams were “open-book” or, in this case, internet access friendly. It is debatable how reliable results are under these conditions. However, it was a relatively new, improvised solution. It challenged how exams were carried out and how accurate the method for measuring students’ ability and expertise in a subject was. It was the kickstart to options for changing the education and examination system.
Mental health concerns?
University can be stressful. Academic pressure to perform well leads to increased stress and anxiety levels. Not to mention financial stresses and difficulties and, last but not least, social challenges to students. Isolated learning drastically increased mental health issues for university students, particularly anxiety. If worked through accordingly, University may be a time of growth and self-development for students. The University does, however, provide help and societies for those wanting to release some stress and for those that enjoy themselves, it is very worthwhile.
The future of further education?
Having a more virtual University provides the opportunity for a more diverse and inclusive education for students and a greater focus on equity and access. It is also more likely that Universities will incorporate technology into their teaching and learning models more. As student demographics become more diverse, universities may need to shift towards personalised learning models that accommodate individual learning styles. Teaching may become more flexible in the future.
Conclusion
Overall, the future of further education is likely to be shaped by a combination of technological, economic, and social factors. In fact, the only moderately successful, self-made billionaire with a net worth of £34bn: Elon Musk, claimed, “you can learn anything you want for free”. Whether Universities can adapt to the changing society fast enough will most likely determine their future.
