When we first moved to this address poor Broadband speed didn't really bother me but over the last few years I have come to rely more and more on technology that needs an internet connection and the more we connect the slower everything goes. Currently I cannot stream a yoga class if anything is downloading updates or I am connected to desktop anywhere. I know this is hardly the end of the world! But there are other implications, I didn't try and lead my Collaborate sessions from home as I didn't trust the ability of the broadband to mange. If this is causing me concerns then I need to think about the implications for my students.
As we design courses that include an element of online learning there is a greater need for students to be able to access reliable and 'fast enough' broadband to be able to fully engage. This is aside form being able to email, access timetables and other information via an LMS and connect via social media. The 2017 NMC Horizon report for HE recognises that access to internet is not equitable and there are still sections of society that do not have access to broadband at all. To remove this inequality is beyond the scope of a single educational institution but if we are not to compound the inequality care needs to be taken to ensure our courses are accessible in their entirety to all students. What have I learnt?
(I can't ever resist the opportunity to include a picture of Summer!)
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AuthorKirsten Huby Lecturer Child Nursing interested in blended learning, educational technology and improving student engagement. Archives
September 2017
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