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NMC eyes moving classes online
As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to spread throughout the world, the Northern Marianas College is considering moving its classes online in a bid to minimize the person-to-person transmission of the virus if ever it enters the CNMI.
“We are working with our staff and faculty to ensure the implementation and continuity of services and learning,” said NMC interim president Frankie Eliptico,.
Besides transforming physical classes to online classes, the college is having its staff and faculty trained for such a scenario if there is a confirmed COVID-19 case on island. Right now, the faculty is being trained on how to transition to online classes smoothly.
Furthermore, faculty who may have to work from home will be provided with the training and equipment to continue to provide quality teaching through online classes for students.
Eliptico said this is still an ongoing discussion and there will be more plans that are needed to execute this goal. The decision will be made along with consultation with Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios.
In addition, Eliptico stated that any decision to close the campus isn’t meant to cause unnecessary panic, but what will happen if the virus presents itself on the island. As another precautionary measure, NMC will also be considering suspension of any travel outside the CNMI.
Eliptico encourages NMC students to download the myProa mobile app that will allow NMC to spread information quickly.
“I want to emphasize that the closure of the campus, which may result in the presence of a case in the CNMI, is not to cause panic,” said Eliptico. In addition, he wants to accentuate the fact that students will be able to continue with majority of their classes.
Education Commissioner Dr. Alfred Ada confirmed that they will be moving Public School System high school seniors into Google classrooms so they don’t lose instructional time and graduate on time.
