Academic Life

Online and Blended Learning

Nowadays, many universities and colleges offer courses that are fully online or use a blended learning approach, combining in-person and online study. Whether you’ve chosen this style of learning for greater flexibility, accessibility, or because it fits your lifestyle best, it’s important to understand how online learning works and how you can get the most out of it. This article explores the benefits and challenges of online and blended learning, and how you can access supports to help you succeed in your studies.

Blended and online learning can help:

• Autistic students who prefer predictable, low-stimulation environments
• Students with chronic illnesses or mobility issues
• Students with caring responsibilities or who live far from campus
• Anyone who simply learns better with extra time, fewer distractions, or recorded materials they can revisit

If your course includes online elements, here’s how to get the most from them.

Benefits of Online Learning

Online or blended learning can offer many advantages depending on your learning style and needs:

• Learn at your own pace: You can pause or rewatch lectures, take breaks when you need, and review materials as many times as you like.
• Access resources more easily: Lecture slides, notes, and recordings are often shared in advance, helping reduce stress about keeping up during live sessions.
• Reduced sensory overload: Learning from home can be calmer and more predictable, especially for Autistic students who may find large lecture theatres overwhelming.
• Less travel, more comfort: If commuting or relocating is difficult, studying online lets you stay in an environment that feels safe and familiar.
• Improved focus and energy: Being able to manage your environment (lighting, noise, temperature) can help you concentrate better and reduce fatigue.

Challenges of Online Learning

While online learning can be helpful, it also has its downsides—and these will vary from student to student:

• Missing structure or routine: Without regular travel or timetabled classes, it can be harder to stay organised or motivated.
• Fewer interactions: You may miss the opportunity to chat with classmates or to ask your lecturer a question after class
• Technical barriers: Issues like unreliable Wi-Fi, lack of a device, or difficulty using learning platforms can get in the way.
• Accessibility gaps: Not all online materials are automatically accessible. You might still need captions, transcripts, alternative formats, or assistive tech support.
• Digital fatigue: Too much screen time or back-to-back online sessions can be mentally exhausting.

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, your Disability Support Service or Access Office can help you find solutions.

Creating a Routine

When learning from home, having a daily or weekly routine can give you structure and reduce anxiety. It doesn’t need to be strict, just something that helps you manage your time and energy.

Here are a few tips:

• Use a calendar app or visual schedule to plan study, meals, rest, and breaks
• Stick to regular sleep and wake times
• Include relaxing or rewarding activities like movement breaks or engaging in a special interest
• Prioritise one project at a time if multi-tasking feels overwhelming
• Review and adjust your routine if your circumstances or energy levels change

Accessing Materials and Support

Even if you’re learning online, you still have a right to accessible materials and academic supports. These might include:

• Recordings or transcripts of lectures
• Extended loan times on library books
• Remote appointments with writing tutors or support staff
• Alternative formats (e.g. large print, audio, accessible PDFs)

If your materials aren’t accessible or you’re unsure what you can ask for, contact your Disability Support Service or lecturer. They’re there to help, and universities are required to provide reasonable accommodations to students registered with disability services.

Staying Connected

Everyone’s need for social interaction varies, but staying in touch with family, friends or classmates can help reduce feelings of isolation. If you are feeling isolated, you can try:

• Messaging or calling people you trust
• Joining group chats for your course
• Using university platforms like Blackboard or Moodle for group work or discussions

Remember you’re not obligated to socialise with your classmates if you don’t want to. Do what feels right for you. If group chats make you anxious or are taking up too much of your energy, it’s okay to mute or leave them.

If You’re Having Issues

You can still reach out for help, even if you’re not on campus.

• Contact your Disability Support Officer if your accommodations aren’t working
• Speak to your lecturers or tutors if you’re struggling with deadlines or coursework
• Reach out to the Student Welfare Officer or the college’s counselling services

If you’re unsure where to start, your Disability Support Service is a good first point of contact.