Remote Learning: Students Miss University Atmosphere

University studies have moved into virtual space. How do students deal with remote learning and what do they miss in this new situation?

We discuss the situation of students at universities and the support for foreign students in the era of the pandemic with Julia Sobolewska from the Students’ Parliament of the Republic of Poland. The Students’ Parliament of the Republic of Poland (PSRP) is an independent nationwide organisation that represents all students in Poland, which is currently nearly 1.3 million people. It associates student representation bodies from all public and non-public higher education institutions in Poland. Currently, the PSRP supports foreign students studying in Poland, among others by providing advice in ten languages.

NAWA: How do students find themselves in the current situation and how should remote teaching look like in order to make classes attractive and informative at the same time?

Julia Sobolewska, director of the Press Office and spokesperson of the Students’ Parliament of the Republic of Poland: Whether students are fine or not depends on the direct support from the academic teachers and on the solutions adopted by the university. Students definitely need engaging forms of classes and direct contact with academic teachers. It is unacceptable to hold classes in the form of sending materials for the students to read – this is far too little. If someone is worried about the honesty of the process of the students gaining credits, it might be a good idea to change the form of verifying the learning outcomes. For example, instead of tests, they can introduce group projects or case studies.

Can this type of organisation of the academic year have any negative consequences for students, especially for those who began their studies this year?

We hear from students, for instance through a survey we carried out as part of the project ‘Remote education – a true story,’ that studies are more than just studying, and even the best remote classes will not let them fully experience the academic spirit. There is definitely no university atmosphere, no possibility to spend breaks together at the university. It will certainly be harder to get to know your fellow students, and thus to integrate and develop a sense of belonging to the university.

Does the new organisation of the academic year mean any need for new legislation?

The current legal regulations that have been implemented by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education or are included in the so-called Anti-Covid Shields fulfil their functions, e.g. by extending the validity of student ID cards, which means that students do not have to visit the university especially for this purpose. Surely, if any regulations are needed, we as student representatives will point this out. For instance, we have recently sent a letter to the Ministry concerning a wider implementation of mID.

What will the academic reality look like after the pandemic?

We hope that distance learning solutions will be employed with greater confidence. Certainly, remote learning has made us aware of possibilities we did not see before – listening to a lecture from anywhere in the country is convenient.

What challenges does the Students’ Parliament of the Republic of Poland see for itself in the current situation?

First of all, it is monitoring the current situation with regard to remote classes. Our tasks carried out since the beginning of this term of office, regardless of the situation in the country, include the promotion of student rights and the activity of the Student Ombudsman. We are also running an information campaign about psychological support (we encourage you to visit the ‘PSRP Comfort Zone’ at www.wsparciepsychologiczne.psrp.org.pl). Apart from that, we provide the Ministry with up-to-date information on the situation at universities from the perspective of students. Another challenge was moving our planned events online – the ‘Pro Juvenes’ Awards Gala was held online for the first time on 8 November this year.

Does the PRSP carry out any international projects, and if so, have they been affected by the pandemic?

The Students’ Parliament of the Republic of Poland participates in the meetings of the European Students’ Union on a permanent basis. Due to the pandemic, a contact email has been provided for international students: international@psrp.org.pl. We answer any questions in ten languages. Then, in cooperation with FRSE and ESN Poland, we have prepared a guide for foreign students studying in Poland. It is now available on our website.

Thank you for your time.

Julia Sobolewska, director of the Press Office and spokesperson of the Students’ Parliament of the Republic of Poland (Photo: Łukasz Noszczak)

Photo on the front site: ©Rido stock.adobe.com.