Recent research conducted by OnePulse, on behalf of a smart video conferencing entity, unveils that UK universities are struggling to meet the expectations of modern students regarding remote learning.
The study, which surveyed 1,000 UK university students, reveals that students miss, on average, ten hours of classes each month. It also highlights the significant gap in remote learning provisions, with nearly two-thirds (59 per cent) of students stating they do not have the option to attend lectures or seminars remotely.
The research draws a comparison to the workplace, where remote study has become integral to adapting to contemporary lifestyles. UK universities, however, seem to be lagging in this regard. Institutions embracing remote learning are often hindered by outdated technology, leading to a lower quality of education for remote attendees compared to those physically present.
When attending seminars remotely, over 40 per cent of students report difficulty in paying attention (42 per cent) and absorbing information (41 per cent). This data underscores the necessity for more effective remote learning tools in higher education.
Owl Labs’ IoT tool has been cited as a potential solution to these issues, offering a 360-degree smart conferencing camera that automatically focuses on the speaker to create an immersive telepresence experience. However, the integration of such technologies is not yet widespread in UK universities.
Max Makeev, CEO of Owl Labs, commented, “With UK universities struggling to fill places, institutions must start adapting to student needs and the evolving work environment so they can get the most out of their education. Universities cannot ignore remote and flexible learning demands, and it’s crucial that they adopt an effective solution that can adapt to everyone – no matter where they are. Effective learning requires strong communication and UK universities are not equipped to achieve this with their current remote learning tech.”
The findings indicate a pressing need for UK universities to upgrade their remote learning infrastructure to meet the demands of modern students and ensure an equitable learning experience, irrespective of location.