Most Hong Kong universities to resume online classes for coming semester, while officials mull phased reopening of primary, secondary schools
- At least six of eight publicly-funded universities announce move amid Covid-19 crisis, backtracking from earlier suggestions of return to campus
- School representatives recommend senior secondary and older primary school students should be among first to return to campus
At least six of eight publicly-funded universities in Hong Kong announced this week that most courses in the first semester of 2020-21 would be conducted online, backtracking from earlier suggestions that face-to-face activities would resume partially or gradually.
Chinese University, Education University, Polytechnic University, Baptist University, Lingnan University and the University of Science and Technology have issued letters to students and staff on the decision to lean on online teaching for the semester from September to December.
Owen Au Cheuk-hei, chairman of Chinese University’s provisional executive committee of the student union, said he believed some students would be more disadvantaged.
“It is understandable that the university had to make such a decision ... But for some students who might find it inconvenient to join online lessons or discussions at home due to various reasons, they may find the new arrangements [more undesirable],” he said.
