College students in deprived areas face greater barriers to learning during the coronavirus lockdown than their peers in less deprived areas, a new survey has shown.

The research, which involved 1,800 students at 15 Scottish colleges and was carried out by the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) Further Education Lecturers’ Association (FELA), found issues such as lack of ICT facilities and an absence of access to broadband were potentially placing many students at a significant disadvantage compared to their peers.

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Engaging with education

According to the survey, the factors most significantly affecting learners’ ability to engage with education during the coronavirus crisis - which led to the closure of college for face-to-face teaching - were combinations of lack of access to equipment such as ICT equipment and specialist material required for their courses, caring responsibilities, particularly learners with dependent children mental and physical health and changes to their paid employment.

While nearly all respondents had access to at least one internet-ready device at home, only 58 per cent had exclusive access to devices such as laptops or desktop computers to allow them to study or complete coursework. Around 10 per cent of respondents indicated they did not have access to broadband internet at home.

SIMD analysis on a sub-sample of 1000 learners in the survey indicated that SIMD 1 learners - those from the most deprived neighbourhoods in Scotland, were less likely to have broadband, less likely to have exclusive use of a device or access to any device other than a smartphone. They were also significantly more likely to have caring responsibilities than those in SIMD 8, 9 and 10 areas.

EIS-FELA president for 2019-2020 Pam Currie said: “This survey confirms that the most disadvantaged college students are suffering the greatest impact as a result of the Covid-19 crisis. While the educational experience of all students will be affected to some extent, it is those students living in the most disadvantaged areas who are experiencing the most negative impact. This has the potential to exacerbate the disadvantage that students from more deprived areas will experience during the lockdown.”

Shona Struthers, chief executive of Colleges Scotland, said colleges shared concerns with EIS-FELA and NUS Scotland about the impacts of Covid-19 on students.

“The wellbeing and inclusivity of students is a key priority and colleges are distributing digital devices to those most in need to ensure that they can continue their studies online during this pandemic. We have also asked the Scottish government to consider providing free broadband for students and staff to assist this significant digital expansion and to accelerate the broadband capacities and speeds across the country.   

“We recognise the significant pressures on our students, many of whom have caring responsibilities or work in key services, so colleges are also providing increased levels of mental health support and wellbeing services.  Many colleges have signed up to the Big White Wall to provide students with additional resources which are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“At times of economic hardship, colleges’ social inclusion agenda is even more essential, and the sector shall continue its vital work in supporting and enabling vulnerable people of all ages to keep connected and progress along their journey into further study, training or employment.”