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Universities, which postponed their new spring semester to prevent the spread of COVID-19, have decided to extend online lectures ― replacements of classroom time ― for two more weeks, according to school officials, Friday.
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| Students watch online lectures in a cafe near Hongik University, Seoul, Friday, after schools delayed the start the spring semester due to the COVID-19 outbreak. /Yonhap |
Ewha Womans and Chung-Ang universities announced the extension of online lectures on their homepage Thursday, and noted the schedule could be changed again depending on the situation. However, universities should prepare guidelines for specific types of lectures requiring lab sessions or practical training.
"We decided to extend the online class period for two more weeks as there is high possibility of group infection during face-to-face classes. For the classes that require experiment practices and performances, the time for those classes will also be pushed back two more weeks," said Chung-Ang University official.
The decision came after the Ministry of Education (MOE) ordered all kindergartens, elementary, middle and high schools to delay the start of their new school year by a fortnight. The education ministry recommended schools to provide non face-to-face classes until the virus epidemic subsides.
Concerns are still lingering over the highly contagious virus among students especially in schools where many of them come into close contact with each other. The MOE said it has been paying close attention to the number of infections of people under the age of 18, and it remains on high alert to prevent schools from becoming possible hotbeds for the virus.
Sungkyunkwan University, which previously extended its online lecture period from two weeks to four, is also considering having the entire semester be online classes only. Other major universities in Seoul are expected to make similar decisions as early as next week.
