TEL it like it is

Remote students share their experience and advice

The ANU Centre for Learning and Teaching recently hosted a panel of students, who have been stuck offshore for more than 18 months, about their experiences studying remotely. The panelists came from a range of degree programs, both undergraduate and postgraduate, and shared how they have felt isolated from their studies as they were studying fully online. In light of the recent lockdown in Canberra, it seemed like the perfect time to share these very achievable and practical suggestions about improving the remote student experience.

Keep in Touch

Studying online and offshore can be very isolating. Students valued interaction with their teaching staff very highly, and desired more contact wherever possible. They shared the following suggestions on how to improve connections with teaching staff.

Teacher presence is critical

Peer engagement is critical

The remote students craved any opportunity to engage with their peers. Without the ad hoc discussions that happen in a physical classroom, online students need spaces to be created for them where they can chat with classmates. They suggest the following ways to allow them to engage with peers.

Create spaces for students

Many students are struggling

These are challenging times for us all, and students face many difficulties trying to engage with their studies while coping with family, health, lockdowns, work, and a range of other factors. The panellists spoke candidly about balancing their mental health with the demands of their programs. They asked for the following approaches from their teaching staff to help them navigate these issues.

Be compassionate to students

I invite you to read more about this panel on CLT’s Interact blog and share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below.