Universities warned over online lectures

Universities have been warned not to use online learning as a "cost-cutting exercise".

Universities minister Michelle Donelan is writing to vice-chancellors this week to ensure any online provision for students does not "devalue education".

Her warning comes as it emerged that a number of universities are keeping some lectures online this term as they adopt a blended approach to learning. Ms Donelan said students who are unhappy with provision can make a complaint and are able to raise the issue with the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA), which can offer partial tuition fee refunds.

Addressing the Commons education committee, the minister said :" Students are consumers.They have rights. They should be getting what they've been informed they were going to get.

"It's not as simple as saying online is bad, face-to-face is good, but it should never be usedasacost-cuttingexercise."

The Government has said it expects universities to return to delivering face-to-face teaching, including lectures, now that coronavirus restrictions have been removed.

Ms Donelan said some online provision can "enhance learning" and that some students have requested it.

But she said :" Online should never be used as a cost-cutting exercise, to devalue education or take away from it, and that we are very clear on.

"I'm writing to vice-chancellors this week once again on this matter to reinforce our message on it."

The move comes as thousandsofuniversitystaffarebeingballotedonstrikesoverpay, pensions and working conditions – threatening even more disruption at universities before the end of the year.