Officials detail University’s move to online learning to combat coronavirus
Harvard University announced earlier this morning that it would suspend in-person classes for the remainder of the semester, shifting to online learning where possible, with the goal of limiting the spread of coronavirus in the community. The Gazette spoke with Provost Alan Garber, Executive Vice President Katie Lapp, and University Health Services Executive Director Giang Nguyen to learn more about the planning, as well as the rationale behind the decision to adopt virtual instruction across Harvard. Q&A Alan Garber, Katie Lapp, and Giang Nguyen GAZETTE: What are the critical details that community members should know regarding the decision to suspend in-person classes? ALAN GARBER: The close physical proximity that promotes social interaction in classrooms, dining halls, Houses, and dorms becomes a liability when our community is threatened by a serious contagious disease. Traditional approaches to social distancing to prevent the spread of epidemics usually include elementary and secondary school closure. Today, learning is less...