Universities switch to online learning
“The only exception will be the controlled return of final year clinical training (medical) students, under strict conditions, to also directly assist with the health management campaign of the Department of Health.”The risk of a return to normal campus-based activity for thousands of students and staff is simply too great, and cannot function successfully outside of the national context of a general lockdown,” Nzimande explained.
Planning and preparation
The department will use this phase for planning and preparation at all universities and TVET colleges, as well as the mobilisation of resources.
“Our collective efforts during this period remains that of putting appropriate remote learning support systems in place for all our PSET (post school education and training) institutions, using whatever means available, while preparing our institutional capacities for the eventual return of students and staff once conditions permit such,” he added.
From 1 May until South Africa moves to a lower level of lockdown, the department has put in place measures for remote learning.
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This includes developing and implementing effective multi-modal remote learning systems (digital, analogue and physical delivery of learning materials) to provide support to learners.
“As we are in an unprecedented emergency, we have to use all available tools to reach our students, fully cognisant that it will not substitute the need for contact learning when conditions permit.
“This we will do, making sure that no student or institution is left behind,” Nzimande said.
In addition, the department believes it is close to securing a universal access deal with the major mobile network operators around data and connectivity to support remote learning. And, where digital means are not accessible to students, the department will be delivering learning materials.
Among other measures, the department will also be using this period to deep clean campuses, to ensure readiness for the return of students when it is permitted.
