Fife College plans students' return with online studies

Fife College is set to make a phased return to full-time learning from the end of August.

It is set to take a “blended approach” which will see courses delivered online for the majority of its students.

The college’s plans for re-opening its campuses are aligned to the Scottish Government route map for moving out of lockdown, but a mass return to classrooms isn’t on the cards.

The phased return will begin August 31 with each student contacted individually with details of their own course arrangements.

Digital learning will be supported through the distribution of devices and 4G internet provision where required.

The return to studies kick-started this week with virtual open day events which attracted 1200 potential students.

The online sessions, organised as an alternative to the traditional face to face open days which usually take place on campus, offered an opportunity to connect and interact with lecturers and other college staff ahead of the 20/21 academic year.

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The sessions focused on the faculty areas of creative industries; business, enterprise and tourism; care, social science and education; and engineering, science, technology and built environment.

Mhairi Shillinglaw, director of student experience and engagement, said: “Feedback from the sessions has been fantastic with engagement actually higher than when we run physical/face-to-face events on campus.

“It really was great to see so many prospective students getting involved asking questions, such as our plans around social distancing on campus etc. This shows a real appetite for information on how college life will look during these unprecedented times.

“We will continue to ensure we provide detailed updates on our return to college plans as often as we can over the coming weeks and look forward to students getting their learning experience underway with us in August.”

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