What Does the Return to Campus in T1, 2024 Actually Look Like?
The Federal Government (supported by the National Regulator) has mandated that international students must return to face-to-face classes in T1, 2024. My own institution will progress accordingly.
It has been my own, held opinion that the return is unwise and essentially driven by a range of real estate, retail and employment issues – essentially unrelated to the welfare and support of students.
See – So why are international students being forced back onto campus? - https://www.ubss.edu.au/article/so-why-are-international-students-being-forced-back-on-to-campus/
See – Not the smartest idea – a forced return to campus - https://www.ubss.edu.au/article/not-the-smartest-idea-a-forced-return-to-campus/
A recent survey (T3, 2023) of UBSS students indicated that 96.5% of students preferred online/hybrid studies with a staggering only 3.5% in favour of face-to-face. Despite that we have no choice other than to bring the students back – no doubt reluctantly – and face the challenges associated with a tired, dated model of learning and teaching. We will naturally do all we can to ensure the best possible delivery in the circumstances.
See – Changes to the mode of delivery – the challenges ahead - https://www.ubss.edu.au/article/changes-to-the-mode-of-delivery-the-challenges-ahead/
The Plan for 2024
All classes – on each of our three campuses – will be staffed with high-level professionals – all well-equipped to teach and support students in all areas of focus.
The investment in technology over the last few years – a positive consequence of COVID-19 - will continue to be utilised to further assist students with their learning.
See – What has COVID ever done for us? - https://www.ubss.edu.au/article/what-has-covid-ever-done-for-us/
Sydney Campus Delivery
Our Sydney campus delivery will remain in-tact – in that - lecturers will deliver subjects with students in the classroom and at the same time being filmed (the studios are set up for the option) and being watched at other locations for the first two hours (of three) of the session available – but the third hour will be Sydney specific – and the filming will cease.
The third hour then is localised (not unlike the notion of a tutorial) where the smaller group will engage and assessments will be conducted – providing the necessary invigilation needed to ensure academic integrity and hopefully maximise attendance.
Melbourne and Adelaide Delivery
The first two hours will involve viewing the Sydney deliveries in the classroom with a facilitator present who will provide the necessary support and assistance throughout the two-hour delivery.
The third hour of the session will be localised – filming will have ceased – and students will work with the facilitator for further understanding, and of course invigilated assessment.
Advantages of The Model
Despite the reluctance of students to return to face-to-face operation as evidenced in the feedback provided – it is likely that the model being used will be effective in that it localises assessment (sharing the burden across the three campuses); it ensures that the exact content is shared across the three sites; it enables professional development for the facilitators being able to view the more seasoned lecturers delivering the UBSS content; and makes encouraging attendance easier in terms of dealing with three smaller groups.
Moving Forward
Despite the concerns (COVID has not exactly left us), all will be done to ensure the best possible delivery of the UBSS product and encourage students to be on campus with the necessary health precautions maintained to the best of our ability.
It will be challenging no doubt.
Emeritus Professor Greg Whateley is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (UBSS) and the Chief Executive Officer (GCA).
