| Date | Author |
|---|---|
| 4th May 2020 | Nick Skelton |
Attention has already turned to a looming question: how will universities provide education for the 2020/21 academic year? The situation is changing rapidly, and while it may be tempting to wait and see how the national and international situation develops before making firm plans, SUMS believes that inaction is the greater danger. In the first output from a larger SUMS comparative study of digital education, SUMS Associate Nick Skelton explores digital education options for the 2020/21 academic year.
The pivot to online education within weeks shows the incredible ingenuity of the sector. However, in the rush to move online, best practice has not always been followed and the quality of experience has suffered. While we do not know what social distancing restrictions will be in place in September, we still need to be planning for the next academic year.
To respond to the immediate need, SUMS Consulting produced this rapid response briefing paper at Easter 2020 following conversations across the sector. After the incredible efforts of recent weeks, the whole sector could do with a break. But demand does not let up, and the implications for HE are still unfolding. Attention has already turned to a looming question: how will universities provide education for the 2020/21 academic year?
The situation is changing rapidly and there is a danger that the information within this paper will be out of date within weeks or months. It may be tempting to wait and see how the national and international situation develops before making firm plans. However, SUMS believes that inaction is the greater danger.
This paper is the first output from a SUMS comparative study of digital education. Further resources will follow to help the sector respond to Covid-19.
If you have any questions about this paper, or about how SUMS can help your institution respond to Covid-19, please contact Nick Skelton, Consultant, or Bernarde Hyde, CEO, at SUMS Consulting. Email: n.skelton@reading.ac.uk or m.b.hyde@reading.ac.uk
Download the full briefing paper here.
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