A number of universities are changing their teaching strategies as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The UK Government decided on Thursday to keep schools and universities open for the foreseeable future. But this decision has attracted some criticism.
With an increasing number of UK students coming into contact with the virus, universities are taking a number of different measures to ensure their running. But what are these measures and how can online learning help?
How coronavirus progresses
A total of 55 people have now died in the UK after being diagnosed with Covid-19 – all except one case has been shown to have an underlying health condition.
According to the UCSF, the principle form for transmission is thought to be respiratory droplets (i.e. coughing or sneezing). Unlike measles or smallpox, the Covid-19 coronavirus is not thought to be airborne.
“If you have an infected person in the front of a plane, for instance, and you’re in the back of the plane, your risk is close to zero simply because the area of exposure is thought to be roughly six feet (1.8 metres) from the infected person,” said Charles Chiu, US San Francisco infectious disease expert.
The virus can also be transmitted by close contact with an infectious person – such as shaking hands, touching a doorknob, table top or other surface.
How are universities reacting to coronavirus?
The London School of Economics, King’s College London, the University of Durham and Manchester Metropolitan University said they would move content online – including video lectures and online seminars.
Cambridge University’s medical school is looking to pause teaching and clinical exams because of the pressures on the NHS.
The London School of Economics has said all undergraduate and postgraduate courses will be delivered online from 23 March for the rest of the academic year.
The LSE and Kings College London have also announced plans to stop in-person exams.
Durham University said all forms of campus teaching, including field trips and one-to-one tutorials will be replaced with remote learning from next Monday until the Easter holidays.
Imperial College will remain open, but students with a weakened immune system should work remotely after speaking to an academic adviser.
Meanwhile, St Andrews University and Glasgow University have announced cases of Covid-19.
How can EDLounge help with online learning?
The EDLounge remote learning platform means students can continue to study even when the building is closed.
Speak to us directly to find out how we can help your university, as well as schools and colleges, in order to help you prepare lessons, homework and revision packages online.
Since being created in 2008, EDLounge has helped increase attendance and engagement in education for pupils around the world. You can read the 2019 Ofsted report here.
To get in touch with us, call 01909 568 338.
