VIU, like other institutions around the province, is making plans for online learning to make up a significant portion of learning and teaching in the fall.
Vancouver Island University president Deborah Saucier, in a letter to students May 11, said that VIU has decided to move to a “hybrid program delivery model” for the fall semester.
“A hybrid program model takes advantage of the best features of both face-to-face and online learning,” she wrote.
VIU says it will support face-to-face instruction “where possible and/or necessary,” offering examples such as practicums and labs, but also wants to ensure it keeps students safe and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Information posted on VIU’s website notes that courses taught by “alternate delivery” will likely include a mixture of live classes and recorded lectures.
Saucier noted that planning and decision-making is in accordance with guidelines from B.C.’s provincial health officer and added that VIU has been “working closely” with the province’s Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training as well as other post-secondary institutions.
She promised students that “there will be lots of opportunities to take part in a variety of different activities to enhance your learning and allow you to connect with others and be part of the VIU community.”
VIU intends to provide more information to students about plans for the fall semester by June 8.
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