Hybrid teaching from 24 January

Morten Brekke

Therefore, much of the teaching from 24 January will be hybrid - that is a mixture of on-campus and digital sessions. Until then, all teaching will be digital, with a few exceptions.

“Hybrid teaching is quite challenging for both lecturers and students, but this is how we can best offer on-campus teaching for as many people as possible”, says Vice-Rector for Education Morten Brekke.

For all activities on campus, it is important to remember that the one-metre rule applies. If you cannot maintain a one-metre distance, you should wear a face mask, as is done elsewhere. Stay up to date on course activity in Canvas as course teachers provide information about the form of teaching they offer.

Some courses will still only be delivered online. Check out Canvas since all information can be found there.

Practical sessions and skills training that cannot be completed remotely will be held on campus in compliance with the current infection control guidelines.

Testing: The government wants regular testing of students, and for tests to be handed out to students - but there are still no guidelines for how this should be done in practice. The higher education sector and UiA are working to clarify this.

Until further notice, people who need test kits can pick them up at the municipality. How to order home test kits in Kristiansand.

In Grimstad, you must book an appointment at the municipal test centre. They do not yet offer home test kits

Top priority

At UiA, health and safety comes first, then follows the students’ progression at the top of the priority list.

The main rule is that all students should be offered in-person teaching in their study programme.

“The University of Agder prioritises student well-being and will provide opportunities for face-to-face teaching on campus as far as possible”, says Head of Section Marlene Romme Mørch in the Division of Academic Affairs.

The government has decided that the maximum number of students in auditoriums is 200, while also maintaining the one-metre rule. The students must sit in designated seats (use the markings) - which means there should be no moving  around the room or sitting in groups, unless groups have been decided and the one-metre rule is observed. This means that less than half of the capacity can be utilized in UiA’s largest auditorium - B1 018 on Campus Kristiansand.

In teaching rooms other than auditoriums, the maximum number is 30, on the condition that the one-metre rule is observed.

Marlene Romme Mørch

The schedule for the spring semester applies. In some cases, it may be necessary to change rooms to be able to offer on-campus teaching. The timetables can be found here: TimeEdit University of Agder  

On-campus and digital sessions

Hybrid teaching does not necessarily mean that teaching is given online in real time. Teaching sessions may also be streamed or recorded to enable the students to complete the course. Course information is found on Canvas.

Practical sessions and skills training can be carried out on campus without a digital offer but must be planned in accordance with infection control guidelines.

Registration for physical attendance

The government requires universities to operate safely. This is the reason why teaching is hybrid.

In some study programmes, it will be necessary to pre-register for physical attendance. Students will receive information about this on Canvas.

“In most cases, about half of the students will be able to attend classes on campus. As long as the distance requirement of one metre is in force, it will be necessary to register for sessions in order to be able to keep the distance in the teaching rooms”, Marlene Romme Mørch says.

Infection control guidelines must be observed

• Keep a one-metre distance from others.
• Wear a face mask if you cannot maintain a distance from other people.
• Stay at home if you are sick.
• Wash your hands or sanitise them often to limit the transfer of bacteria and viruses.
• Cough and sneeze into a tissue or use your elbow if you do not have a tissue at hand.
• Keeping a distance from others reduces the likelihood of getting infected or infecting others through airborne droplets (aerosol transmission).
• Limit the number of close contacts you have.

Also read:

Press release: The Norwegian Government is easing measures (14 January 2022)