Exploring the benefits of digital interaction in bystander training

The University of Worcester Bystander Intervention Programme has been running since 2015,
training students to be able to identify signs of violence and abuse, and become active
bystanders. Prior to Covid-19, the programme was run exclusively face to face, and included
a range of discussion tasks and interactive group activities. The pandemic required the
Bystander Intervention Programme to be moved online (Blackboard Collaborate) for the
2020-21 academic year, which required modification of these interactive activities in order to
suit an online audience. While the initial aim was to make the online experience as equivalent
as possible to the face to face sessions, the use of interactive activities was particularly
welcomed by students, and resulted in increased engagement with activities, particularly
where students now had the opportunity to engage anonymously. This presentation will
consider the benefits that digital interaction brought to the bystander programme, and
discuss how these positive changes have been integrated into the programme now that it has
returned to face to face delivery.