Free University of Brussels issued the following announcement.
The ULB Academic Council unanimously approved the rector's plan for the coming academic year: a combination of courses adapted in small groups on the premises of the University and distance courses, allowing a real "student life" and a radical decrease in the population density on campuses making possible social distancing and the security of the whole university community.
Priority will be given to the health security of all and to the continuation of the fight against the epidemic , in line with the recommendations of the National Security Council. It is indeed essential that all students and staff members feel safe in all places of the University. The ULB will exploit its multiple campus location to improve health security.
If, in March, the emergency switch to a totally distance digital education, successful thanks to the implication and dedication of the entire university community, was the only solution, it cannot however continue as such on the most long term, while the timing of the exit from the COVID crisis is more than uncertain.
This is why the ULB authorities want to develop, with the collaboration of the teaching, scientific and administrative staff, an innovative educational strategy integrating distance education as one tool among others. The mastery of digital education has just taken a leap forward and has shown its limits at the same time. It is obvious that the physical interactions between the students as well as between the students and the teachers remain essential in pedagogical terms and in order to give a collective experience of university life.
In order to better anticipate the organization of the next academic year, the ULB authorities took a series of measures on Monday. Clarifying the context in which the first term may be held is indeed essential, the uncertainties can be a source of anxiety and loss of energy for students and teachers.
An innovative educational approach in a particular context
At the start of the next school year, it will unfortunately be hard to imagine that we can return to the "before" situation by filling the audiences with hundreds of students. It will be necessary to continue to use the remote for obvious reasons of health security.
In this context, the University opts for an approach of the "hybrid teaching" or "blended learning" type and will follow the following broad lines of conduct:
The number of hours of theoretical face-to-face will decrease and part of the teaching will be given in seminars in order to work in small groups. This will require students to ensure preparatory work;
Face-to-face teaching in large audiences will be provided by rotation of groups of students. Students will alternate face-to-face and distance courses, these being broadcast simultaneously (and podcasted so that they can be viewed asynchronously);
Continuous and formative assessment processes will be encouraged to ensure regular learning;
The teaching activities will, where appropriate, be grouped by taking advantage of synergies between different intra or inter-university courses , including international ones.
Newly arrived students (BA1 and MA1) will be the subject of special attention, with a welcome week at the University which will be organized for them (methodological training seminars, introduction to digital tools, etc.) and follow-up during the first term , all intended to facilitate their integration into the University.
This approach is also fully integrated into the Cap 2030 Strategic Plan that the ULB has set for itself:
Innovate in teaching and evaluation methods and formats in order to make students fully actors in their learning;
Take advantage of digital tools to multiply the modes of access to knowledge and personalize the journey of learners;
Streamline teaching activities, if necessary by taking advantage of synergies between different intra or inter-university courses.
In order to be able to organize the lessons according to this scheme and to allow greater flexibility in the reception of students, the ULB has agreed to an exceptional investment of 900,000 euros and will provide staff support to support to the teaching staff.
Reinforced support to reduce inequalities
The ULB will continue its commitment to overcome inequalities and help the most disadvantaged students. For those who do not have the computer equipment necessary for distance education and who are unable to obtain it, the University will continue to lend the appropriate equipment. Help can also be provided for the internet connection. Priority access to study rooms may be given to students whose social situation is most fragile.
Life on campus also reorganized
The resumption of non-teaching and research activities on campus will also have to be carried out while guaranteeing the safety of all.
In libraries, for example, borrowing books at home will be possible according to the methods most appropriate to the context (click and collect at library counters, automatic loan terminals, etc.). Work spaces and direct access to the collections may gradually be reopened for a limited number of students and staff members with strict rules.
Apart from the libraries, study rooms will also be reopened with a limited number of places and the instructions for physical distance will have to be respected.
When the recommendations of the National Security Council allow their reopening, the catering services will strictly apply the health rules laid down and the life of student circles and associations will be the subject of special attention.
The ULB authorities will examine, if necessary, alternative strategies to maintain associative, cultural and festive life on campuses in strict compliance with federal and regional health guidelines and for the safety of all.
Original source: https://actus.ulb.be/fr/actus/institution-et-engagements/rentree-academique-a-l%e2%80%99automne-l%e2%80%99ulb-organisera-un-enseignement-hybride-combinant-une-veritable-experience-de-vie-universitaire-et-une-securite-sanitaire-severe
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