Dual teaching methods or only physical classes; State universities to decide next week
View(s):The University Grants Commission (UGC) will summon all state university vice chancellors tomorrow to discuss whether universities will continue
with dual teaching methods or only physical classes.
Medical faculties resumed academic activities due to clinical training and physical lectures, and some engineering faculties also resumed classes due to practical lessons, UGC Chairman Sampath Amaratunge said.
“Several arts, commerce, and technology faculties are conducting classes online with examinations held physically. Sanskrit, Pali and Buddhism classes are also conducted online. With the fuel crisis and domestic gas shortages brought under control, universities are conducting more physical classes. With increased food prices, boarding fees and travel costs students and academia will find the dual method more cost effective,” he said.
With regard to internet signal issues, Prof. Amaratunge said data facilities were now provided for university students.
“We have discussed with telecommunication providers on strengthening their services. For now, affected students will have to find areas with strong signals to continue their studies,” he said.
With the COVID-19 still a risk, bringing undergraduates back to hostels in big numbers was still a concern, he added.
“Peradeniya University has around 8000-9000 students in hostels. Majority of the academic staff are in their 60’s and above, and it is the same with many students’ parents. Recently, COVID positive cases were found within universities,” he added.
This week’s Inter University Students Federation (IUSF) led protest also demanded the Government to fully re-open universities and resume academic activities like previous years.
They said the online method was still a challenge to many students residing in rural areas. (NF)
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