Analog instead of online: Universities want in-person teaching

This winter semester, lectures and seminars at Berlin universities will once again be held primarily in person.

Representatives of the research administration and the universities have agreed on a corresponding key points paper, as they announced in Berlin on Tuesday. "As educational institutions, universities are open and accessible to all," they said. In addition to face-to-face teaching, online courses or hybrid formats could also be required in the event of an aggravated pandemic situation.

Relevance of face-to-face encounters

Personal encounters play a special role in the educational process. Therefore, face-to-face teaching and the availability of study-relevant infrastructures on site in conjunction with appropriate infection control would have the highest priority this year. According to the agreement of the state conference of the rectors and presidents of Berlin's universities and administration, the needs of vulnerable persons are to be taken into account individually.