Thrown in the Deep end: Students and Staff Experiences of Teaching and Learning during the COVID-19 Lockdown

This report examines the lived experiences of students and academic staff during the rapid transition to online teaching and learning in the COVID-19 lockdown. Drawing on qualitative accounts from multiple stakeholders at Maynooth University and partner institutions, it identifies key challenges in pedagogical adaptation, digital engagement, and wellbeing during emergency remote education. The findings highlight the pressures of unplanned online delivery, shifting expectations around access and participation, and the emotional and cognitive impacts on learners and educators. The report synthesises reflections on effective practices that emerged during the lockdown, including the importance of connection, flexibility, and responsive support structures. Recommendations are made for future blended and online practice, emphasising inclusive design and collaborative approaches to enhance teaching and learning in disrupted contexts.