Following repeated delays in starting the spring semester due to COVID-19, Seoul has decided to begin the spring semester with online classes on April 9.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education has decided to keep local kindergartens closed for an indefinite period to prevent cluster infections in classrooms.

Todd Thacker reports.

Following numerous postponements in the start to the spring semester due to the potential for COVID-19 cluster infections in schools, education officials have decided to begin the academic year with online classes.


Seoul has consulted with education professionals, health experts and listened to the concerns of parents, concluding that now is not the proper time for students to return to their classrooms.

Recording
Yoo Eun-hae, Deputy PM and Minister of Education
The spring semester will be composed of online classes implemented in stages. We believe that this is a better option than simply delaying the spring semester for an additional one or two weeks.
[녹취 유은혜 / 교육부 장관 ]
"학교의 휴업일을 단순히 1주에서 2주 연장하는 방식보다는 온라인 수업과 등교 출석 수업을 병행하여 안정적인 등교를 준비하는 것이 지금 상황에서 더 적절하다는 판단을 했다는 점도 말씀 드립니다."


Elementary, middle and high schools will begin their new school year with online classes for the first time, allowing local schools to remain physically closed until further notice.


The previous April 6th start to the spring semester has been delayed an additional three days.
On April 9th, students in grades 12 and 9 will begin classes first, followed by those in grades 4 through 8, grade 10 and grade 11 on April 16th. First to third graders will start classes on April 20th.


Now local schools are busy preparing to implement remote classwork, an attendance management system and performance evaluation tools.

Recording
Yoo Eun-hae, Deputy PM and Minister of Education
Remote classes include assignments and online lectures provided by EBS, as well as interactive classes.
[녹취 유은혜 / 교육부 장관 ]
"반드시 실시간으로 쌍방향 수업만이 원격수업으로 인정받는 것은 아닙니다. 선생님들께서 현재 이미 진행하고 계시는 과제 제시형과 EBS 동영상 등 콘텐츠 제시형도 모두 원격수업으로 인정됩니다. "


Authorities are coming up with ways to provide every student with access to a computer and an internet connection.
The plan includes giving those without computers devices for online classes and to open computer rooms at schools.

Vocational schools will focus on theory classes first, then will begin practical training sessions once students are back in school.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education has decided to keep local kindergartens closed for an indefinite period to prevent cluster infections in classrooms where young children are in close contact with each other.

Todd Thacker, KCTV