
The advantages of online university events for school groups
Over the last two years many of us will have
experienced an online event, whether that
was attending a virtual conference or webinar,
hosting an online event or teaching virtually.
Online events have provided the opportunity
to change our approach, shift the focus from a
more traditional view and explore the ways in
which we could develop and continue the use
of online provision into our ‘new normal’.
What are the main advantages of online university events?
1. Accessibility -
you can attend from the comfort of your own home which allows for a more diverse audience.
2. Cost and time efficiency -
which reduces expenses and gives you back more time.
3. Variety of learning -
you can experience presentations, workshops and group sessions all in one event.
4. Flexibility –
you have the opportunity to catch up on recorded sessions in your own time.
5. Sustainability –
the activity has a lower environmental impact.
Best online university event practice
A great example of successful online events
have been virtual open days, which universities
have held over the last academic year. Due
to not being limited by geographical location,
students could get a taste of universities
further away from their homes.
For this upcoming academic year, universities
will be reviewing the successes of these
virtual events and building them into a new
approach, for example, hosting a hybrid event,
which would have both an in-person and virtual
element.
Universities are using online teaching too
A lot of universities are taking forward a
blended learning approach this academic year.
This could be in the form of online lectures,
in-person seminars or practical sessions. This
enables universities to be more accessible,
offering students a greater level of flexibility
and helping them to study alongside their other
responsibilities and commitments.
Students will be able to watch lectures
live through a virtual platform and many
academics now record their lectures for
students to watch back later, which can
support their learning and aid revision. These
can be accessed through the university’s
online portal, which also provides additional
reading materials and resources, as well as
student support and careers services. These
services will also be available in a blended
way, with in-person workshops and counselling
sessions, as well as the option to reach out
through virtual support platforms.
With online study comes the opportunity to
improve skills such as independent learning,
self-motivation and organisation. Students
will ultimately need to motivate themselves
to study in the absence of that ‘classroom’
environment. These students will also have full
access to university facilities if they would like
a change of scenery or if it would benefit their
learning.
Your students now have access to a variety
of higher education learning styles alongside
the traditional view of full-time on-campus
learning, which we should advise students of,
and encourage them to engage with, so they
can choose the route best for them.
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