Wits to switch to online learning from Monday

The institution’s spokesperson Shirona Patel says this will not be a permanent measure, but will be implemented to minimise the impact of the lost time due to the Covid-19 lockdown.

"We are clear that the emergency remote teaching programme will not serve as a comprehensive solution to our current challenges. There are specific disciplines that may be patient-based, laboratory-based, studio-based or involve creative practices that cannot be undertaken online.”

She says a recent survey indicated that between 10% to 15% of students do not have access to the necessary computers.

The university will put additional measures in place to address the challenges faced by students.

"We have negotiated with service providers to zero-rate Wits’ library and learning management sites from 15 April. Students will not need data to access the learning sites."

Students will also be able to loan basic devices from the university’s Mobile Computing Bank, while

paper-based material will be provided to students who don't have access to devices and data.

Other universities, such as the University of Johannesburg and the University of Pretoria, have also indicated a move to online teaching.

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