Coping with Covid; Understanding and Mitigating Disadvantages Experienced by First Generation Scholars Studying Online

Mates, Lewis; Millican, Adrian; Hanson, Erin

Abstract

This article examines the implications of the transition to online or blended learning for first generation scholars (FGS) brought about by Covid-19. We present the findings of a mixed methods project that draws data from both in-depth qualitative interviews and a large quantitative survey of students at Durham University. We offer a comparative analysis of how FGS contrast to the general student body in relation to a range of key challenges that Covid-19 and the consequent ‘online pivot’ posed to university life including technological, social and resource based issues. Our findings demonstrate that FGS were particularly affected by this shift to online or blended learning. The final substantive section discusses a range of potential mitigation strategies adopted by the School of Government and International Affairs, Durham University, with the assumption that some, at least, of these, and our data, will be of wider relevance in the sector.

Citation

Mates, L., Millican, A., & Hanson, E. (2022). Coping with Covid; Understanding and Mitigating Disadvantages Experienced by First Generation Scholars Studying Online. British Journal of Educational Studies, 70(4), 501-522. https://doi.org/10.1080/00071005.2021.1966382

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 4, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Sep 9, 2021
• Publication Date: 2022
• Deposit Date: Aug 16, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 15, 2022
• Journal: British Journal of Educational Studies
• Print ISSN: 0007-1005
• Electronic ISSN: 1467-8527
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 70
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 501-522
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00071005.2021.1966382
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1242871