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Jade: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Moving online was originally a daunting experience for me. Mainly because I thought I would never get the chance to focus on my work with a 4 -year-old at home! Nevertheless, we quickly developed a new routine and got to it. It really wasn\u2019t much different to getting up and getting ready to go to uni. I got up and got ready but only had to sit at my desk at home! It was quite a novelty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Participation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n At the beginning, not many people went on screen to participate, it was mainly participation from the online chat or the microphone audio. I felt like my learning needs were still being met and I was actively engaging over the chat, there was something satisfying about trying to get your answer typed in first! However, it was evident that some people were not participating perhaps because it was easy to walk away. When we were encouraged to start and go on screen to participate, I thought this was a brilliant idea and might help with the connection of the class and concentration, especially with the longer topics. As we went on screen our learning really was maximised!<\/p>\n\n\n\n It didn\u2019t feel all that different from being in class, and our tutorial lead was able to engage so much better with us, seeing our faces and reading our reactions, and the class operated more smoothly. This was much better than looking at the \u201c… is typing..\u201d bubble on the screen. It was fun, informative and honestly the best thing to happen in a ‘bad’ situation. I do not feel I have missed out on my tutorial classes at all, over the 12 weeks that were online, I definitely engaged more than I would have in class, as it is not as daunting offering your answers when you are in your own home. Overall, I had a really positive experience going on screen to participate in my learning and it 100% made the transition so much better and enjoyable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Majella<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n At the beginning the thought of online classes scared me, with a young family I wasn’t sure how this would work. I soon developed a routine and the lecturers understood the challenge of family commitments. I attended every online lecture that was available. When I settled into the new routine, I actually found that online learning suited me! Yes, its not the same as being in uni but the support was there regardless. Perhaps, as a mature student I settled quickly, knowing the demands of the degree were high. I actually found it easier than traveling 2hrs each day to university. I was able to be at home with my children whilst completing my degree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Engagement<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Engaging with the lecturers and having our own group sessions for tutorial was the biggest help throughout. In the smaller tutorial classes, I knew most of my fellow students better and felt more comfortable. Being able to interact with my lecturer and to physically see them eased some of my worries. We all had the same questions or needed the same advice and sometimes just seeing each other spurred us on – it helped with class morale. I still miss being around all the friends that I made and the hub of a uni environment, but i can honestly say it worked for me. <\/p>\n\n\n\n About the authors<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Jade<\/strong> is a second year student nurse, with 4 year old son. She has experience working in the the community as a Health Care Assistant and as a physiotherapy assistant. Jade has a real interest in oncology nursing and is looking forward to more practice experiences on placement!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Majella <\/strong>is a second year student nurse, with three children, aged, 11, 9 and 5. Starting university as a mature student has been daunting but with amazing support from her husband, children and parents, she has been able to pursue her career. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Jade: Moving online was originally a daunting experience for me. Mainly because I thought I would never get the chance to focus on my work with a 4 -year-old at home! Nevertheless, we quickly developed a new routine and got … Continue reading