The Covid-19 pandemic has had a major impact on higher education institutions. Globally, 1.3 learners from schools and universities were affected with schools and universities being forced to close. When universities opened in September 2020, they adopted blended learning strategies which mix online with face-to-face teaching to protect students from being exposed to the virus. According to an Ipsos survey from the World Economic Forum of adults in 29 countries, almost three-quarters (72%) of respondents said higher education would be conducted online at least as much as in-person, if not more. The survey also found that only just over half (53%) of respondents agreed that in-person higher education is worth its cost, compared to just over a third (36%) who disagree.

This conference will explore the experiences of universities and colleges from England, Scotland and Wales in shifting rapidly to online and blended learning. It looks at different models of blended learning and how digital can be embedded into university culture with a long-term strategic view. It explores the best ways of combining digital learning with face-to-face learning in ways which will be powerful and motivational for students.