Coronavirus: Gold Coast universities, Student Hub move online in coronavirus pandemic

Gold Coast universities are now working to support international students in isolation and moving degrees online in an effort to keep things running.

GOLD COAST universities are moving online in an attempt to keep courses running amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Southern Cross University’s contemporary music degree was one of the first of its kind in Australia to transition to ­online.

Griffith University and Bond University have decided to keep campuses open with precautionary policies and social distancing rules in place.

SCU’s senior lecturer and contemporary music course co-ordinator Dr Matt Hill said the switch to online learning had been completed in one “very full” week.

“Taking an entire degree that was completely face-to-face and delivering it all online has involved a massive effort from all of the staff,” he said.

“It’s a big job and it’s certainly still a work in progress, but it’s working. Obviously good quality audio and vision is important, if you want to play music or demonstrate a technique on drums for example, so getting the technology aspect right is paramount.”

Southern Cross University. Picture: Scott Powick

He said the course, which included one-on-one and group lessons on specific instruments or songwriting, would still run “9 to 5, Monday to Friday”.

“So today, for example, we have five classes running at the same time,” he said. “A lecture in studies in western art and contemporary music, a sound production tutorial, a workshop in sound styles and ­culture, a small ensemble and a group guitar lesson.”

“The biggest challenge has been ensuring we’re delivering the same kind of learning outcomes.”

It comes as the Gold Coast Student Hub announced a temporary move online.

Study Gold Coast CEO Alfred Slogrove said the hub would provide career support and professional counselling.

“(This is) a vital service for our student community as they come to grips with the growing uncertainty of the current global climate,” he said.

Many students are staying home. Picture: Scott Powick

“This service is particularly critical for our international students who now have to self-isolate far from home without the support of family or loved ones.”

Almost 40,000 international students study on the Gold Coast.

Griffith University said its staff were making an “orderly transition” to working from home and had closed the majority of campus facilities to follow social isolation measures.