TAFE and uni’s set to reopen
Face-to-face teaching could be available for South Australian higher education students from as early as next week as institution get the go-ahead to plan their returns.
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TAFE and universities could be given the green light for students to return for face-to-face learning as early as next week.
And international students may be returned early, in a pilot project using the same two-week quarantine measures employed for Australians repatriated from overseas.
Premier Steven Marshall is in talks with both education sectors about getting students back into the classrooms following a fortnight of no new COVID-19 cases.
TAFE SA last week began delivering 94 per cent of its courses online and all three major universities had planned to continue with online lectures and tutorials until June, the end of the semester.
It is understood restrictions could be lifted as early as next week at universities and TAFE campuses, funeral attendances, regional travel, open house inspections, as well as many forms of sport.
Education Minister John Gardner said he would like universities and TAFE to return to face-to-face learning as soon as possible.
“Like schools, higher education learning is preferably done on site to give students better access to educators and experts, as well as specialist facilities such as workshops and laboratories,” he said.
The latest expert health advice will be provided to national Cabinet Friday before a decision on restrictions is made.
Ultimately it is up to universities to decide when they return to normality.
Adelaide University told staff last Friday that it would “continue teaching in the remote environment for the rest of this semester, even if the current restrictions are eased, although there may be room for reinstatement of some practicals or laboratory sessions if they can be conducted with appropriate social distancing in place”.
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Today the uni confirmed that position had not changed.
Flinders University said it had continued to have some student and staff presence on campuses and expected a gradual return.
Online learning would continue to be offered to the end of semester.
Premier Steven Marshall said the Government was considering a pilot to bring back international students using the two-week quarantine model for Australians returning from overseas, citing success with use of city hotels.