As students return to college, many will be taught both on site and online. But according to Jisc's survey, a third were unable to rate the quality of digital teaching and learning on their course as “good”, “excellent” or “best imaginable”.

The education technology not-for-profit company's annual Digital Experience Insights Survey, published today and capturing the views of 19,000 students from 36 different colleges or sixth forms, shows that only half of students (51 per cent) feel they receive guidance about digital skills.

News: Government 'must invest to make FE digital-first'

Remote learning: 1 in 4 students unable to access online lessons, say NUS

Opinion: Why digital funding for FE is vital

Here’s what else we learned: 

• Only half (51 per cent) agreed that they receive guidance about digital skills.
• More than a quarter (27 per cent) didn’t agree they had access to online course materials whenever they need them.
• Around 66 per cent rate the quality of support they receive to develop their digital skills as “good”, ”‘excellent” or “best imaginable”.
• Just over 40 per cent agreed that their organisation provides the chance to assess their digital skills. 
• A fifth said that they did not discuss their digital skills either during induction, during one-to-one sessions with tutors, in lectures and classes or with other students.
• A third (33 per cent) say they never work online with other learners. 

Last week, Jisc and the Association for Colleges published a report in which they urged the government to provide extra funding for ​​​​​digital technology and infrastructure to support students and staff in FE. 

Sally Dicketts, president of the Association of Colleges said: “As learners return to college, the FE sector is helping the UK bounce back – upskilling, reskilling and providing pathways for all college learners. Whether learning on campus, remotely or with a blended approach, students are using digital systems and learning platforms, connecting and collaborating and benefiting from a nurturing college community. Technology underpins every aspect of that experience.

“I encourage all of us as college leaders to take full advantage of the expert advice and support provided by Jisc to realise the potential and benefits that technology offers. Collaboration – bringing staff, learners and employers together – can help us all survive and thrive in this uncertain world, where digital is no longer optional but seamlessly integrated in post-lockdown life.”