Face-to-Face (F2F) or Distance Learning for Fall 2020
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The Fall semester is approaching, but some schools are still undecided on the appropriate approaches of teaching, at least for IUP. It should be a no brainer by just looking at the ways that Harvard and Cambridge have decided. These high-ranked research universities all go with distance learning to protect their faculty and students. I would say this is a smart and responsible decision. However, when it comes to the low-ranked universities, economic complexities will sway the decision towards F2F instruction, because the administration is afraid that distance learning will decrease the enrollment and harm the university income. Since the high-ranked research universities usually have large endowment, we can see the correct decision can be made when there are no financial stresses. The question is "money and health, which one is more important? " For the unprecedented virus that people still know little about, it is not just a health issue, it could take your life if your genes (not ages) have decided you are the most vulnerable group of persons to this virus. For people who were infected and recovered, the sequela are still unknown and the health impact could be life-long. The most recent update from IUP was that new freshmen are required to be on campus and the given reason is that college life acclimation. It is obvious that it is not the real reason. In the meanwhile, faculty members are required to teach no more than 80% of their courses online while at least 20% has to be F2F, unless a course has been applied for as a distance learning course. Although faculty members have expressed deep concerns through their union, their voices appear negligible. Given current circumstances, It is really tough for me to decide how my five courses are delivered this coming Fall semester.
Published from: Pennsylvania US
Liked by: Andy Tang