Students frustrated by online learning

INTERNET COURSES Queen’s University stimulate them and rely on access to the resources needed to complete work.

Holly said: “At the beginning of semester one, none of my lectures would load – I wasn’t even able to download the recorded lectures.

“Thankfully, I was lucky enough to be able to install a new Wifi system but this is a prime example of how online learning will never compare to face-to-face teaching.”

Kyle Russell Frazer, a postgraduate student at Queen’s University Belfast said the concentration has been on primary and secondary education so far.

He added:

UNFAIR Holly “Universities have kind of been left to the discretion of both senior leadership teams, which I feel puts a great deal of pressure on them to navigate the public health guidance, whilst also ensuring safe and settled students.

“The university has been very understanding of a number of circumstances, particularly surrounding the submission of PEC forms for assignments not requiring evidence.”

First year Queen’s student Ciara Shannon, who is studying business management, said her entire university education has taken place behind a computer screen with no physical interaction with her classmates so far.

She added: “I haven’t had the chance to meet anyone that does my course at all.

“It’s weird being halfway through first year and saying you don’t really know basically anyone doing your course.”

NORTHERN Ireland university students want tuition fees cut amid frustration at missing out on a proper education in lockdown.

Young people said they feel “forgotten about” by the Stormont Executive.

One claimed: “It feels like we are missing out on the best years of our lives.”

Due to the significant change in the structure of most courses since Covid, many students believe that paying full tuition fees is not fair.

They also face uncertainty about grading and examinations – as well as the obvious loss of the opportunities to socialise that university brings.

In May last year, Ulster University announced it would make the move to online learning for semester one, with Queen’s opting for a blended approach of on campus and online lessons.

However, after tighter restrictions were introduced in October, Queen’s too made the move to online with face-to-face learning cancelled unless it was considered essential.

Now the Mirror has spoken to several students to see how they have been affected by studying during the coronavirus pandemic.

Holly Fleck is a second year journalism student who is currently studying at Ulster University in Coleraine.

She believes that although the university have done its best to support students with online learning, many people need a classroom environment to

ISOLATED Ciara

OPINION Kyle