Wake up, eat, online classes, repeat. Coronavirus has changed everything, including the way education is delivered, with much of it going online. One of the effects of this for many is the loss of motivation.
Although the majority of universities across the United Kingdom are still trying to include some face-to-face teaching, students are continuing to find it hard to adjust to the new normal.
“You lose the physical interaction from lecturers,” said a student from the University of Coventry.
“It’s hard to keep yourself motivated when it’s online because it feels like you have a lot of time to do things when really you don’t. It’s a lot of pressure and you’re never sure about how you’re doing,” she continued.
Taking online lectures hasn’t been easy and although the lecturers are trying their best to engage with the students, not every home is an ideal place where a person can learn.
A student from the University of Portsmouth, who studies a course that includes face-to-face teaching said that her professors are doing “everything in their power for us to get fruitful learning, but online learning is not motivating at all.”
Many students are finding their courses harder because of the lack of interaction and are losing their desire to learn.
“I’m experiencing a huge loss of motivation. There’s no more structure to my days. Being in online classes doesn’t feel real or engaging enough, and I’m gradually falling behind on my work,” said a student from Kingston University.
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“My mental health is lowkey deteriorating,” said a student at Kings College. She described her first year as a “miss-out in terms of experiencing what life at university is actually like.”
She said she would have loved to have experienced taking part in societies, meeting new people and partying at night in her first year at university.
Another student from Kingston University who is in his final year said he doesn’t think it’s fair for students to spend their last year at university doing online lectures. “This year is important for me and I’m sure it’s important for all third-year students.”
“We haven’t been feeling motivated enough and we have developed a tendency of leaving everything until the last minute because of the way things are now,” he explained.
As much as the Prime Minister wants to keep educational institutions open, it’s clear that the circumstances are creating huge challenges for many students.
If you are struggling, help and support is available via Kingston University’s Wellbeing services. Or you can contact Samaritans at any time on 116 123.
Megan Kelly
Maurizio Kayonjo