This spring, Aberystwyth University ran the national Jisc digital experience insights survey. Over 1,000 of our students told us about their attitudes and experiences of technology in learning and teaching. Here are some of the key findings from this survey.
Summary of key metrics
| Question | Our data % | UK data % | Wales data % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Well-designed online learning environment | 40 | 41 | 44 |
| Supported to use own device | 60 | 54 | 56 |
| Enabled to access online systems/services from anywhere | 67 | 68 | 67 |
| Well-designed online learning materials | 56 | 53 | 54 |
| Quality of online and digital learning on course | 69 | 66 | 68 |
| Supported to learn online/off-campus | 57 | 51 | 53 |
| Able to access all support services you needed online | 51 | 49 | 50 |
| How well you were supported to learn online | 58 | 61 | 62 |
- The data relates to the percentage of students that agree with the statements shown.
- The benchmarking comparisons are also shown.
- Five out of eight key metrics are higher for AU than other UK and Welsh organisations.
- General trends are mirrored in other UK and Welsh organisations (areas achieving lower results for AU are low nationally).
You and your current learning situation
Assistive Technologies
- 17% of respondents said that they used at least one assistive technology.
- 13% of these students said we have offered them support to use assistive technologies.
Problems when learning online
Digital platforms and services at your organisation
Technology in your learning
Improving the quality of online and digital learning
Students were asked what one thing should we do to improve the quality of online and digital learning. This was a free text question, which we analysed for themes. Common themes included:
- 42% mentioned improvements to online learning design and organisation
- 14% mentioned more engaging and interactive online learning
- 12% mentioned more interaction with other students
- 11% mentioned more live teaching sessions
- 10% mentioned better digital provision
- 9% mentioned more interaction with lecturers
- 6% mentioned building digital skills and capability
Positive aspects of online learning
Students were asked what aspect of learning online, if any, had been most positive for them. This was a free text question, which we analysed for themes. Common themes included:
- 54% mentioned flexibility
- 27% mentioned access to materials and resources
- 12% mentioned contact with lecturers
- 10% mentioned benefits for wellbeing and disabilities
- 7% mentioned engaging and interactive teaching
- 7% mentioned digital technology
- 6% mentioned contact with other students
Negative aspects of online learning
Students were asked what aspect of learning online, if any, had been most negative for them. This was a free text question, which we analysed for themes. Common themes included:
- 45% mentioned lack of motivation or engagement
- 23% mentioned online learning design and organisation
- 21% mentioned lack of social interaction
- 14% mentioned wellbeing issues
- 14% mentioned issues with IT systems
- 9% mentioned lack of contact with staff
- 6% mentioned lack of practical skills
Overall quality of online and digital learning on course
Developing your digital skills
Support and guidance for digital skills development
| How much do you agree that we have given you: | % agree AU | % agree Wales | % agree UK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Support for learning online/ away from campus | 57 | 51 | 53 |
| Guidance about the digital skills needed for your course | 40 | 41 | 43 |
| An assessment of your digital skills and training needs | 22 | 26 | 28 |
Where do students go for help?
Learning effectively online
Students were asked what one thing should we do to help you to learn effectively online. This was a free text question, which we analysed for themes. Common themes included:
- 35% mentioned improvements to online learning design and organisation
- 14% mentioned better access to lecturers
- 14% mentioned more engaging and interactive online learning
- 13% mentioned more training and help with digital skills and technology
- 8% mentioned more help with wellbeing issues
- 8% mentioned better access to resources and materials
- 6% mentioned better digital provision
How well supported to learn online did students feel?
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