Does online learning deter university applicants?

According to the new survey released by Prospects at Jisc, students receiving in-person teaching express the highest satisfaction with their university experience - a resounding 87%.

Hybrid learning, perhaps surprisingly, scores the lowest, but 63% of students are still pleased with mixed pedagogy.

Is this data surprising, when hybrid learning offers a flexible and accessible approach, with the benefit of face-to-face support and social interaction?

Does in-person teaching really reign supreme?

At the time the survey was taken (from February to March 2023) 36% of undergraduates and 41% of postgraduates were participating in hybrid or online study, with the majority studying face-to-face.

Students in full-time education are more likely to be studying face-to-face (74%) compared with part-time students (16%). It is likely that the latter have to balance study around other commitments such as work or caring responsibilities, so online learning is preferred due to its flexibility.

Interestingly, international students in particular have a strong preference for face-to-face learning (75%) with just 2% studying online compared to 18% of UK domiciled students.

Results also show that the level of qualification that new students apply for has an impact on their preferred mode of study. Those interested in undergraduate study are keener on social interaction, and have a strong preference for in-person and hybrid learning (96%).

Jisc’s 2021/22 digital experience insights survey of higher education students (pdf) outlines how UK students use technology in their learning, their attitudes towards it and the benefits and challenges.

Here, 42% of respondents want mainly on-site learning, with 45% preferring a mix of in-face and online. But why the contrast in findings, and do students really want to learn mostly face-to-face?

Great expectations

The dissatisfaction reported with hybrid or online learning in the Prospects’ survey might not stem from a dislike of technology or a lack of need for flexible learning. Rather, it is likely to be connected with what students expected when they applied for their course.

The survey revealed that 50% of students studying in a hybrid format did not anticipate this mode of study when they applied.

Transparency leads to student satisfaction

Data gathered by the BBC earlier this year shares that almost a third of university courses are blending face-to-face teaching with online learning, but a lack of transparency is leaving many students feeling short-changed.

The lesson to be learned from all these findings is not that hybrid or online learning are unpopular; it is that we need to be honest and open with students by clearly communicating course delivery methods.

Students are not a homogeneous group, with background, location, level of study, caring responsibilities, and many more possible factors impacting their university experience. It is important then to be open about what they can expect, so they can choose a course most suited to their individual needs.

By setting realistic expectations, universities can ensure that students' preferences and needs are met, leading to a more satisfying university experience.

Find out more

• Learn more about Prospects
• Read this year’s Prospects at Jisc early careers survey
• Read Jisc’s 2021/22 digital experience insights survey of higher education students (pdf)
• Learn about Jisc’s digital experience insights service