University lecturers have warned of “chaos and confusion” if there is a return to face-to-face teaching in the new year in the absence of clear health and safety rules. Covid-19 restrictions mean most teaching and learning in the further and higher education has been taking place online, with only practical and laboratory work in small groups permitted. The Irish Federation of University Teachers has called for a single, clear health and safety plan to be published if there is a return to face-to-face teaching. One idea being advanced is to promote small-scale, in-person contact which would allow new students to meet their peers across both further and higher education. The numbers availing of grant support are projected to increase significantly next year due to the impact of Covid-19 on family earnings.

Source: The Irish Times November 22, 2020 16:41 UTC