World against COVID-19. Our colleagues' thoughts about the situation: Viktoriia Koilo

Viktoriia Koilo, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Hauge School of Management, NLA University College, Norway.

Due to the extraordinary COVID 19 situation, The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) has decided to cancel all events, conferences and other gatherings that require physical attendance from Easter until the end of the spring semester. The authorities in Norway still consider that the spread of the coronavirus will be high in the future. In addition, NTNU is taking part in a national drive to avoid further spread of the coronavirus.
NTNU is doing its utmost to maintain the level of activity within the advice and guidelines of the authorities, including digital solutions. Hence, exams involving physical attendance on campus changed to a home examination. The home exam must be submitted digitally. To help teaching staff, University is now developing guides and training materials for the recommended tool, Zoom, and how to use it for oral exams using digital technology.
All communication about changes in teaching and forms of examination are primarily taking place in the students’ course room in Blackboard (e-Learning System at NTNU), and other channels used in connection with teaching in the course.
Also, there is “Open office hour” (a bilingual session for both Norwegian and English speakers), that can provide students and teaching staff with technical and administrative services support of all core activities.
It is important to highlight, that in times, when campus is closed off, NTNU still offers counselling by telephone. Everyone can talk to University’s counsellors about stress, daily routines, sleep, loneliness and etc.