@ShroomShroom
My university was already making a move to blended learning before Covid hit. Many others were on the same path because the research supports blended learning as an effective way of studying. So all Covid has done is made it happen quicker.
As many have already said blended does not mean no f2f but is about using the right approaches to get the maximum learning. Content delivery is not best done in a big room with loads of other students listening to a lecturer talking for ages. Content can be effectively delivered online and in an easier to way for the student to learn e.g. smaller chunks, being able to pause, replay etc. This also helps students who do not speak English as a first language, who have some learning difficulties or who are neuro-diverse. This then means that f2f time can be used doing collaborative work (so mixing with other students), practical work and discussions. All these build on the subject content delivered online. In my modules students will be getting the same amount of f2f time but we will be using it even better to get into those higher level activities that HE is supposed to be about.
We are timetabling now for September so having to make decisions now.
That's all fine, BUT, the Unis should be honest and open about how much F2F, whether lectures are online or not, etc., so that prospective students can choose a Uni suited to the student's preference. As it is, it sounds as if Unis are forcing "blended learning" onto students without giving them the full picture. We went to numerous Uni open days over the past 2/3 years with our son and whilst every single one said that lectures were recorded and could be replayed back at a later date, none said that lectures wouldn't be in lecture theatres. We didn't hear a single case of "lectures" being online only at any of the Unis we visited. From what you say, if it has been the plan to introduce online only lectures, then, again, Unis havn't been honest and transparent about their plan.