Skip to main content

From pandemic to pedagogical progress

Students in a library.
This autumn there will be a mix of digital and psysical education.
Published Jun 02, 2021

Hi, Leif Kari, Vice President for Education. The President issued a decision on 1 June concerning how education is to be organised at KTH this autumn and onwards. What does this entail?

“That our students can finally return to a fully open campus. But rather than things going back to how they were before the pandemic, they will be much better. We have learnt plenty over this period and we intend to make use of this. We could say that we are now going back to the future.”

In what way?

“There will be greater variation and diversity when it comes to both teaching and exams. We will have a mix of a digital and physical presence in order to be able to offer the best possible education in line with our long-term goals.

This can be a case of digitally recorded lectures that are followed by meeting with teachers for questions and discussions – to name just one example. The defence of doctoral thesis is another example where opponents, grading committees and larger audiences can participate digitally, while others can be on place at campus. We are going to use the best of both worlds - the digital and the physical.”

When will this apply from?

“From 29 August onwards. The re-examinations in August will be conducted remotely and the welcoming of new students will be partly held on campus and partly digitally. KTH will naturally also continue to adapt to a Covid-19 world and we will avoid crowding and larger gatherings until the public authority restrictions have been further eased.”

What applies for exchange students?

“In the case of KTH students, they can go on their exchange if the receiving university and country allow this. Otherwise they will be offered a place on their programme. KTH accepts incoming students who travel here on an exchange, placement or degree project, but they must be here by the start of the semester unless otherwise agreed.”

What should teachers think about ahead of autumn?

“Firstly, I would like to say that our teachers have done an outstanding job during this period. Something that is also reflected in student performances that, despite the precarious situation, have not deteriorated over this time. I hope that our teachers are able to bear in mind that we are not starting from scratch, and that they take onboard what has worked well and maybe look to develop this further.”

And as a student?

“As I said. It won’t be the same as usual, but better. Our educational ambitions are once again to the fore.

 with more information about the President’s Decision which is numbered V-2021-0421.

Jill Klackenberg

Page responsible:intranytt@kth.se
Belongs to: Current
Last changed: Jun 02, 2021