The Office for Students (OfS), the independent regulator of higher education in England, has cited the University of Worcester as an example of best practice in a review of how universities have adapted their teaching as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The review identifies the work of the Paramedic Science team at Worcester as a particularly strong example of best practice, citing the work of lecturers Martin Hilliard and Charlotte Watkins in adapting their approach to enable them to teach complex clinical skills online.
“Paramedic Science clinical skills lecturers developed an online case study format to teach undergraduate paramedics remotely,” the review states. “Using a blend of audio cues and open-access imagery, the team created a realistic clinical experience for students. Cases used pre-recorded heart and lung sounds, real-time observations via simulated monitors, and microphone and chat functions to undertake assessment and clinical questioning of a simulated patient, played by facilitating staff.”
Throughout the pandemic, the University has adjusted the ways in which students are educated and assessed so that they are able to progress their studies and earn their valuable qualifications without any lessening of quality.
Ruth Jones OBE, Head of Department for Paramedic Science at the University of Worcester, said: “The Paramedic Science team rose to the challenge of online teaching and learning quickly, effectively and innovatively and have been able to keep students engaged in their programme throughout the Covid crisis.”
“I am extremely proud to lead this committed team, who are passionate about giving the students the best education possible regardless of the challenges they face. Like all our paramedic staff, the work of Martin and Charlotte has been exceptional during this period.”
The Office for Students’ Digital Teaching and Learning Review, commissioned by the Secretary of State for Education and Chaired by OfS Chair, Sir Michael Barber, seeks to understand the challenges faced during the move to remote teaching across higher education as a result of the pandemic. The review aims to ensure that all students continue to have access to a high quality education in spite of the restrictions, as well as using the lessons learned over the last year to point the way towards excellence in digital education in a future post-pandemic world.
At the University of Worcester every subject area and every course has been reviewed and the curriculum adapted to give students the best possible learning experience. An academic ‘safety net’, created in partnership with the students’ elected representatives, was developed and, following the first national lockdown, thanks to student and staff dedication, even more students were successful than usual, despite the difficult conditions created by the pandemic and lockdown. During the autumn term, the University of Worcester managed to teach 58% of all classes in person without experiencing a single Covid-19 outbreak on campus.