Opportunities and challenges in widening participation through online learning: comparison of findings in a further and higher education provider during COVID-19

Abstract

This research note is based on ongoing studies that are taking place at a further education (FE) and higher education (HE) provider in England as it seeks to help reduce digital poverty and support digital equity and inclusion amongst its learner base throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. It draws upon quantitative data from enquiry, enrolment and learner-tracking data and statistics, coupled with qualitative dialogic discourse between the authors, who are all members of the Senior Leadership Team at the provider. We provide insights into the contrasting challenges and opportunities for access and widening participation that resulted as we moved all provision online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This research note analyses unemployed and employed learners at the provider who are undertaking vocational qualifications and skills-based assessments from entry level to degree level, grouped by homogeneous provision types.