How are students coping studying from home?

28th May 2020 1:49pm - Return to press releases

How are students coping studying from home?

East Riding College have announced the results of a student survey conducted in the first few weeks of lockdown, to assess how students were coping in the crisis and adapting to working from home and studying online. 

Paul Smith, Director, Programme Change and Transition said, “We knew the abruptness with which we had to switch to delivering remotely, and suddenly having to work from home, away from their tutors and peers might be challenging for our learners, as it was a challenge for us all!   But within the first week we were already getting incredibly positive anecdotal feedback from tutors, who were reporting how well students were responding and engaging with the online delivery. So, we wanted to check in with the students directly after a few weeks, to see how they felt they were doing, and we were overwhelmed with how positive and complimentary they have been about the experience overall.” 

The vast majority of those who responded to the survey rated the communication from tutors as good or excellent, and just under 90% knew where to find updates on the College’s response to the coronavirus pandemic and how to access further support. 

Students also rated the volume of work set as ‘just right’ and their enjoyment of the work as ‘good’ overall.   

Paul Smith continued, “Response to the survey was really high, the ratings and levels of agreement were high, but what really pleased us was the sheer volume and positivity of the comments students added in the ‘any other comments’ section.  We know our students love our tutors – they tell us in every survey! – but what’s clear in the feedback from this exceptional survey is that our staff’s commitment to their students hasn’t waivered in this crisis, that the students are resilient, but feel well supported even when studying from home - and that they can’t wait to get back into College.” 

Comments such as “College have been amazing and very supportive”, “Thanks for everything through these difficult times!”, and “Can't wait to be back at college learning.  Brilliant support from tutors” sum up the feedback from students, and what is striking is that the sentiment is repeated over and over in the verbatim comments. 

Mike Welsh, Principal and Chief Executive of East Riding College added, “We’ve worked really hard to support our learners to continue with their studies where possible, and to provide the additional support they needed to do this from home whilst being mindful of the pressures both staff and students might be under in the current crisis.  As ever, we’re living by our values - we knew our team was innovative, resilient and adaptable, as are our students - but they’ve proved it again. I’ve never been prouder of ‘Team ERC’.” 

Due to the current lockdown and restrictions on events, East Riding College has adapted its admissions process for September 2020 and all applicants will now receive a formal offer without an interview.  To secure your place just apply online now or go to eastridingcollege.ac.uk/courses for more information on how to apply.