Post-Pandemic Hybrid Lectures are Here to Stay

The pandemic has forced lecturers and students in universities to suddenly move online with teaching and learning. Much work has gone into improving the online experience. We showed that learning outcomes improved at our university during this time according to self-evaluation by graduating students. Returning to on campus classes has caused some controversy. Two major thought-groups have emerged. While some have found the benefits of following lectures online using a better environment, others are grateful to return to their classroom to enjoy more freedom to interact with others. Strong feelings exist on both sides and students staying home are missed by those in the classroom. In order to understand these feelings, students have created a survey. 112 undergraduate students in Computer Science participated in the survey. We found that around half the students enjoyed staying online. Half of these report higher motivation and mental health when staying home. More research is needed but it is clear that the mix of on-site and online learning is here to stay.