AIT announces plan to reopen to students

Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT) has announced plans for the institute to reopen to all students on a phased basis for the new 2020/21 academic year.

From September 14, second, third and fourth-year students will return to campus and recommence their studies in the institute.

Incoming first year students will begin on September 28 in line with all Institutes of Technology. Postgraduate students will start returning to campus from September 2020 and will be advised of their start date for their programme via their faculty.

As part of the reopening plans, the Institute announced that it is committed to providing students with face to face learning interaction on campus.

President of AIT, Professor Ciarán Ó Catháin said: “We are known for our close-knit campus community and having approachable and supportive staff, so having our students on campus will allow for this one to one interaction which is essential.”

The priority for academic delivery from September 2020 will include face to face on campus learning for lectures with practicals and labs also taking place on campus.

Where face to face on campus lectures are not possible due to social distancing requirements, lectures in some instances will take place via interactive remote learning and the virtual classroom.

AIT said its learning platforms enable real time engagement with lectures, interaction with class groups and will replicate the live classroom environment.

Professor Ó Catháin said: “Students will primarily experience traditional on campus learning, as face to face interaction with lectures and peers is an integral part of the student experience. As most of our class sizes are small, this will allow for this level of interaction and our approach. Our practical classes, such as tutorials and laboratories will also take place on campus, with social distancing applied.”

He said he noted that it had been an anxious time for students who are uncertain of the future.

“Our plans for the upcoming academic year, will alleviate those concerns and show the strength of our commitment in getting students back on campus.”