Online learning and teaching

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Whether you are familiar with learning online or not, studying through a digital environment can bring its own set of challenges. Here you will find some guidance on how to maintain your wellbeing whilst learning online and expectations as to your etiquette and behaviour.

Your wellbeing whilst learning online

Learning in a digital environment feels very different to being in a lecture hall or a seminar room. It has many benefits, such as the flexibility to fit around your other commitments and being able to study from the comfort of your own home. But there will be challenges too, which may include:

  • Feeling lonely and isolated
  • Finding it difficult to find a quiet space to study and concentrate
  • Having a condition which makes working from a screen difficult
  • Experiencing technical difficulties or internet issues
  • Finding it difficult to communicate with your tutors or fellow students

Please be assured, you are not alone in facing these challenges and we are here to help. Your wellbeing is very important to us whether you are learning online or on campus. Manchester Met has a wide variety of support services available and you should reach out if you need extra help.

Help available

Here is an overview of some ways we can help you overcome any challenges you might face when studying online:

  • If you feel lonely or isolated, there are lots of ways to combat this. From joining a club or society, attending any of our regular events or reaching out to our Counselling, Mental Health and Wellbeing team.
  • If you are experiencing technical issues you can contact IT Support at any time. Or if you are struggling to afford a suitable device or internet connection, you can contact our Student Hubs for help in the first instance.
  • If you have a disability or Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD) that makes it more difficult for you to study online, please contact our Disability Support team for advice or register for their service.
  • If you need extra support understanding your course content, please reach out to your tutor. There’s also lots of study support available to every student from our central services, including our Study Skills team and the Library.

Remember if you need help, but don’t know who to contact, our Student Hub team will be able to advise.

To get you started, here are some videos about tips for learning online and getting the most from remote learning:

Learning online etiquette

Studying from home may feel more relaxed and less formal, but your behaviour and etiquette should meet the same standards as if you were attending a lecture or seminar on campus. This includes:

  • You should be punctual for sessions and give your full attention.
  • Consider how you present yourself and interact with others. For example, how you dress, behave and the language you use.
  • Be conscious of the amount of personal information you share, and make sure you understand how to manage your digital profile. You may find this webinar about managing your online profile a helpful guide.
  • Adopt the same standards of courtesy and respect as you would when on campus, including approaches to communication. Your contributions and presence during an online session will be public in much the same way as a classroom session.
  • Understand the privacy settings that apply online, and that you know who can see, read or hear any contributions you make.
  • Remember the chat function can be seen by other students attending the session, so this is not the space to share personal information. The chat is also saved and could be shared with others.
  • You may choose whether you share your image during an online session and should never feel under pressure to do so. Before sharing please consider your presentation and background is appropriate.

Expectations regarding your behaviour apply in the same way, regardless of whether you are learning online or on campus. These standards are summarised in the Student Code of Conduct.

If you feel that the behaviour of another student is unacceptable you may speak with your tutor or lecturer, or may e-mail complaintsappeals@mmu.ac.uk.

Distressing content on your course

Some courses may include content that you find potentially distressing. Teaching staff will aim to let you know in advance if they consider content to be potentially distressing and should be able to talk to you about the support available. Although it is always possible that you will be unexpectedly upset by a subject, so take time to look at lesson plans or descriptions in advance.

If this is the case, here is some guidance for you to consider:

  • Inform your lecturer in advance by e-mail if you are concerned about the topic.
  • Consider whether you prefer to watch a recorded version of the session instead, perhaps because you want to watch the lecture in a private, quiet space.
  • Ensure others in your home, including children, will not overhear the content accidently.
  • It is important to let your lecturer know if you are upset or distressed by any course content. They will then ensure you receive any help you need, including support from our specialist services if required. Let your lecturer know by email if you are upset and wish to talk to them, rather than in the public chat.
  • You should feel able to leave and re-join the session if necessary.
  • You may prefer to make written rather than verbal contributions.

If you become concerned about the welfare of another student you should either contact your tutor or the lecturer or you can e-mail the Counselling, Mental Health and Wellbeing Service.

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