The experiences of online learning for undergraduate bioscience students
Abstract
The rapid shift to online education prompted by the global COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on biosciences students at a UK university. This study explores their experiences throughout an academic year, focusing on the misalignment between initial perceptions and eventual realities. Through interviews with 13 third-year biosciences undergraduates, the findings reveal evolving perspectives from apprehension to acceptance. Students valued the flexibility of online learning but expressed concerns about practical skill loss and social interaction. Engagement hinged on educator proficiency with digital tools and communication. As the year progressed, self-regulation challenges emerged, affecting motivation and metacognitive awareness. The study recommends enhancing educator digital skills, implementing effective communication strategies, and integrating engagement-focused approaches for optimal remote or blended learning. The findings contribute to understanding bioscience pedagogy in contemporary higher education and underscore the need for continuous staff development and student support in evolving educational landscapes. Further research is recommended on the broader impacts of online learning on student well-being and academic performance.
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Author's Biography
Kieran Higgins was formerly a Lecturer (Education) within the School of Biological Sciences at Queen’s University Belfast and is now a Lecturer in Higher Education Practice at Ulster University. Kieran is an internationally recognised scholar in the field of education for sustainable development (ESD), a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and is passionate about creating inclusive opportunities for students to develop as change agents for a more sustainable future.
Alison Calvert is a Lecturer (Education) within the School of Biological Sciences at Queen’s University Belfast. After completing her PhD in food chemistry, Alison worked in the national and international dairy industry for almost ten years, focusing on product and process development. During more than 15 years in food science education, Alison has developed a passion for the application of food science theory and making it relevant, authentic and inspirational for students. She is a Fellow of both the Higher Education Academy and the Institute of Food Science & Technology (IFST). Her current pedagogical research interests are focused on education for sustainable development (ESD), especially the development and delivery of ESD programmes designed to educate and support academics to achieve Strategy 2030 targets. She also has a keen interest in the role and positioning of innovation and entrepreneurship within STEM subjects. Alison is proud to be a member of the UK Food Safety Research Network Innovation Board, the IFST UK Education and Professional Development Committee and the UK Food Science Consortium.
Simon Doherty is a Senior Lecturer (Education) within the School of Biological Sciences at Queen’s University Belfast. Simon is a veterinarian with interests in livestock health and welfare, One Health and sustainability, and international trade and investment in the animal health and veterinary sectors. He is co-lead for the QUB μaOH Lab (microbiome, AMR and One Health). Simon teaches across a variety of programmes including Agricultural Technology, Animal Behaviour and Welfare, Zoology, Food Safety Quality and Nutrition, and Ecological Management and Conservation Biology. Prior to his presidency of the British Veterinary Association (BVA) in 2018–19, he was Animal Health & Aquaculture Sector Specialist for the Department for International Trade and has experience in veterinary practice, industry, academia and professional representation. He was the inaugural Chair of the World Veterinary Association One Health Education Working Strategic Focus Group. Simon regularly speaks at national and international conferences on One Health and sustainability topics and is a passionate advocate of these subjects.
Citation
Higgins, Kieran, Calvert, Alison and Doherty, Simon (2024, June 1). The experiences of online learning for undergraduate bioscience students. In the Advances in Online Education: A Peer-Reviewed Journal, Volume 2, Issue 4. https://doi.org/10.69554/PFKU9330.
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