Universities Cautiously Open Classroom Doors... Hybrid Online and Offline Classes Continue in First Semester

Seoul National University, Hanyang University, etc. prioritize in-person classes
If many students enroll, online classes will be combined
Rotating attendance and hybrid methods also implemented
Considering shift to online due to Omicron variable

As the transition to 'With Corona' approaches, major universities are gradually switching to face-to-face classes, bringing some vitality back to campuses and surrounding commercial areas. On the 19th, Ewha Womans University campus in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, is regaining its liveliness with students. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] As universities enter the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the campus plans to operate the first semester of this year primarily with face-to-face classes mixed with online sessions. However, with daily COVID-19 cases surpassing 10,000, a shift to fully online classes is not being ruled out.

According to university sources on the 26th, Hanyang University will conduct undergraduate classes face-to-face for the first semester but will allow real-time video lectures for some classes such as large lectures with over 80 students or supplementary classes. Seoul National University will also prioritize face-to-face classes but may adopt a flipped learning model (online pre-study followed by offline sessions) if deemed effective. Students who are unvaccinated are encouraged to undergo testing every 1 to 2 weeks.

At Sungkyunkwan University, classes with fewer than 50 students will be held face-to-face, while those with 50 or more will use a hybrid model combining rotating attendance and online/offline sessions. The rotating attendance system involves groups alternating attendance in the classroom, while students not attending in person can participate via real-time streaming or recorded videos uploaded later. Only classes exceeding 70 students are allowed to be fully online. The University of Seoul has set guidelines that prioritize face-to-face classes but allow mixed remote learning for theoretical courses only. Laboratory, practical, skill-based, and design classes are permitted only in person. Proof of vaccination and negative test results will not be required for attending classes.

Dongguk University will conduct face-to-face classes for theoretical lectures and laboratory/practical/skill classes with 40 or fewer students. For theoretical lectures with more than 40 students, students can choose among mixed face-to-face and online classes, concurrent sessions, or fully online classes. Ewha Womans University allows face-to-face attendance for theoretical classes with fewer than 70 students and mandates face-to-face sessions for laboratory, practical, and skill classes. Theoretical classes with 70 or more students will be conducted online. However, when face-to-face attendance is an option, real-time video streaming or recorded videos will be provided to ensure no discrimination against online attendees.

Initially, the Ministry of Education planned to fully normalize face-to-face university classes starting this semester. The work plan for this year also included reopening student activity spaces such as club rooms and student council rooms, but the emergence of the Omicron variant has made even this difficult. With daily cases exceeding 10,000 ahead of the new semester academic operation guidelines announcement, there is a possibility that, as last year, only laboratory, practical, and skill classes will be recommended to be face-to-face, with a gradual expansion of in-person classes. Universities have adopted a mixed 'face-to-face + online' approach to prepare for potential mid-semester changes in class formats due to the spread of COVID-19, aiming to minimize student confusion.

A Ministry of Education official stated, "We are discussing the academic operation guidelines for the first semester with universities and plan to provide guidance by early February at the latest. Since the Omicron variant situation changes frequently, we aim to reflect it comprehensively. Universities have been thoroughly preparing over the past two years of the pandemic, and although full face-to-face activities may be difficult due to the high vaccination rate among people in their 20s, the trend toward expanding face-to-face activities will be maintained."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.