Photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

Imran Mojib, Special Correspondent

Preparations are in full swing at Zayed University’s (ZU) campuses in Abu Dhabi and Dubai to implement a hybrid education model through the Fall 2020 semester. The “hybrid” (or “blended”) education model aims to enable teaching and learning to continue both online and partially on campus, amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The university is offering online classes to students and a limited number of classes face-to-face across its campuses. The move comes directly in response to the recent announcement made by the Ministry of Education to prioritize remote lectures, and to limit campus attendance to staff and students using laboratories, studios and research facilities.

ZU commenced all classes online on Monday and is set to switch the courses that require physical presence to face-to-face classes starting on Sept.6.

Speaking on the hybrid education model, Noura Bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth, and President of Zayed University, said, “The hybrid model of education will provide ZU’s students and faculty with innovative ways to engage and complete their academic experience, while adapting to the prevailing scenario in the best way possible - either through in-person learning/work, remote learning/work, or a combination of both.” ZU is prioritising the health and safety of its community members, especially students, and is working relentlessly to ensure that all necessary precautionary measures to protect them from the risk of COVID-19 are in place, in line with the standards mandated by the regulatory authorities in the UAE.

Given the reduced risk levels, ZU has put in place a plan to proceed with the hybrid learning model for a limited duration, eliminating non-essential processes, implementing distance learning and taking all the required precautions.

Within the hybrid system, the overall capacity of class sizes has been reduced to ensure that only a maximum of 50 percent of all students and 50 percent of all faculty and administration members are present at any campus.