Remote Learning Options To Be Available For Students Unable To “Reasonably Return” in 2022
Nathan Bow
Posted On October 28, 2021
By Nathan Bow
On 22 October, the ACT Government announced that it will welcome back fully vaccinated international students for the start of semester 1, 2022. However, for those who are unable to “reasonably return”, ANU will continue to offer online learning options.
An ANU spokesperson told Observer that online options will remain until every student can return to Canberra.
“Until all students are able to return to campus, including our international students, we will continue with the hybrid approach to teaching and learning in most courses with options available for students on campus and those who are learning remotely”, the spokesperson said. The spokesperson also confirmed that online learning will extend to those domestic students who “can’t return due to factors beyond their control”.
International Students’ Department (ISD) President Benedict Chin expressed concern about the effect expensive flights will have on the ability of international students to return to campus.
“It would definitely be sensible for alternative arrangements to be made for those that aren’t able to make it back to campus on time due to limited flights/expensive tickets or both”, Chin said.
Incoming ISD President for 2022, Chamika Fonseka, echoed the sentiments of Chin. He stated that in the event that it is not possible to “facilitate the return of all international students”, he is “glad that remote study will still be possible”. However, he “would like more details to be provided in the coming weeks, as there is still a need for clarity about the plan’s implementation”.
“Students should not be penalised for being unable to return to campus through no fault of their own – return to on-campus learning should not compromise the quality of remote learning, and convenors should follow the best practises for the remote delivery of courses”, Fonseka told Observer.
The exact dates regarding when international students will be able to return is yet to be announced.
Graphics by SungJae Lee
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