Government has ruled that Higher Education institutions are not to resume campus-based activities. Institutions have had to step up and make alternative plans to continue their academic programmes. CPUT has announced it’s plan.
Minister of Higher Education, Blade Nzimande, announced that Higher Education institutions will not be allowed to resume with campus-based activities during Lockdown Level 4. With the determination to get the 2020 Academic Year completed instead of completely scrapping it, plans have had to made. This lead many institutions to introduce online learning.
CPUT has announced what their plans are to continue with the academic programme and have confirmed that the academic programme is to continue on 1 June 2020. This will be done using various forms of content interaction and presentation.
Vice-Chancellor of CPUT, Prof. Chris Nhlapo, has said, “The coming few weeks and months are an uncertain period for all South Africans, however we will hold firm on our commitment that the 2020 academic year is salvageable if we act smartly, quickly and with compassion.”
Lecturers will be in contact with students to announce further details on how teaching and learning is going to take place during this time. CPUT has said, “The Department will develop in advance, a week by week plan which will highlight daily activities of your learning.”
A multi-modal approach will be taken concerning teaching and learning. Methods that will be used will include: LMS, Blackboard, print material, worksheets, workbooks, manuals, memory sticks, video files, lecture material, social media to communicate announcements. The use of real life and relevant examples of your learning as students will also be used.
The University will provide a track for students who have registered late and need to catch up.
If you’re a CPUT student and you do not have electricity or internet access or if you’re in a bad space for learning to take place, you should contact your lecturer or Head of Department so that special arrangements can be made for you.
Tutors will be available to assist students as well as mentors and teaching assistants.
Students are also encouraged to submit their correct physical addresses or post office details for future learning materials that’s going to be delivered. Students also need to register their correct cell phone numbers.
CPUT is looking to provide devices to students in the coming weeks and will create a digital register for students to say whether they need a device. They are also working on providing students with data and is currently in talks with mobile network providers to make arrangements for that to happen.
Further details on assessments, practicals, laboratory work and academic dates are still being finalised and will be communicated as they come.