A study has found that students who have blended learning access are less likely to drop out of university. Since COVID, hybrid studying at universities is more common. Research now finds that it is received more positively than ever.
For many, virtual learning was a major disruption to their university studies during the pandemic. Lots of students thought they were missing out on the university experience. Additionally, they believed they weren’t getting what they paid for. It’s now three years on from the first lockdown announcement and it appears that students with hybrid learning courses are responding to it more positively than ever.
Blended Learning University Courses See Lowest Student Drop Out Rate
During the pandemic, retention rates at universities suffered massively, but now they have recovered and more.
In an Advance HE Engagement Study, 22 per cent of students with blended learning courses said they considered dropping out of university. Not only is this down from last year but was the lowest of all categories.
Out of those who studied mostly through virtual learning, 25 per cent considered leaving university; those who considered dropping out and had in-person learning, 24 per cent.
Overall, fewer students have considered dropping out of university compared to last year, dropping from 28 per cent to 23.
In 2023, students studying on blended learning courses at university are doing so because they want to. When applying, it’s often fairly clear how the course will be delivered and if virtual learning is involved. Three years ago, students did not have this luxury and had the choice to learn online, or not at all. So, the data showing that students are responding more positively to it now isn’t particularly surprising.
A Reason For University Drop Out Rate Decreases Is Flexibility
One of the reasons the dropout rate has decreased for those on hybrid learning courses is the flexibility to study in their own time.
The study also found that since 2015, 16 per cent more students are now working alongside their studies. Currently, this is largely due to the cost of living crisis meaning maintenance loans aren’t sufficient. Being able to study around work, instead of the other way around, means students can earn decently whilst still completing their course.
Although this sounds positive, it highlights the sacrifices students are making to their study time just to get by.
However, the flexibility is also more accommodating to their personal lives. Not having to attend campus means studying whilst socialising, and even being able to go home more often without missing out. Having the ability to work in their own time, whilst reaping the benefits of campus facilities/social access gives students the best of both worlds.
That being said, blended learners are more likely to study independently and are less likely to work on career skills. This data is a little concerning about the prospects of students’ future post-university, however, the fact that these students are less likely to drop out would appear to balance out the negatives.
What university entails is clearly evolving, with a move towards flexibility on the rise. It’s uncertain whether this will affect future costs or even the structure of higher education. For now, it’s just important that retention rates are keeping low.