There is no need for a complete transition to the distance learning format now – the hybrid mechanism that has shown itself quite successfully, when part of the classes in universities is conducted online, and part of it in person. This follows from the responses of 10 large educational institutions to Izvestia.
Now students of most Russian universities study in a mixed mode: seminars, laboratory activities and workshops are held in person in small groups, other classes are remote. At the same time, if one of the students becomes infected with COVID-19, the entire group is transferred to a two-week distance. Probably, such a policy of universities and vaccinations saved educational institutions from a complete transition to distance learning in 2021.
For example, students study part-time, for example, Moscow State University, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, NUST MISIS, NRU HSE, RANEPA, Russian State University for the Humanities, RUDN, NES, St. Petersburg State University, UrFU. Over the past year, many universities have already thoroughly prepared for possible urgent transitions to a completely remote learning format, and have become more flexible in this matter.
But at the same time, educational institutions do not want to completely switch to a remote format. For example, managers try to ensure that the hands-on and laboratory sessions are face-to-face, as is their preference. Moreover, they are held in small groups, and this prevents the spread of infection. In addition, at the moment, there is a high percentage of vaccinated and recovered not only among students, but also among employees.
Read more in the exclusive material from Izvestia:
“Extreme retirement: how universities will work in the face of the growth of the sick”