On-line learning works when on-line is on

Among all the enthusiasm for on-line learning during the COVID-19 crisis, spare a thought for country students, whose home internet is delivered on horseback

A survey of Regional University Centre users found two-thirds had home internet speeds which are not sufficient for their studies.” Cathy Stone (Uni Newcastle) and Monica Davis (Country Universities Centre) report it’s okay when students can use their nearest RUC, which have high-speed internet but they have not been able to do lately.

“Unless home internet connectivity is adequate and affordable, those in regional/remote areas and/or from low SES backgrounds are likely to be excluded from these technological and pedagogical advances in on-line learning,” they warn.