RSU Ensures Distance Learning to Maintain Continuity of Education During the Current Crisis

Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) has been conducting studies remotely since 13 March in connection with the declaration of a national emergency in Latvia. Utilising the university's extensive and advanced e-learning capabilities, as well as providing technical support and consultations to staff and students, the study process is going ahead in accordance with the approved study plan for the 2019/2020 academic year.

RSU can currently provide students with live streamed lectures and classes, videos of lectures and classes, video conferencing and more. Additionally lecturers themselves can make recordings not only on RSU premises, but also at any other location if necessary by using their own or RSU equipment. A video editing services are also available.

Even before the emergency more than 50% of lectures were available in video format - RSU has an archive of 9,845 video recordings that include lectures, medical manipulations, and scientific conference sessions. In addition most RSU courses (over 70%) have posted e-learning materials on the e-learning platform that are updated every semester.

The RSU e-learning system offers several tools that can be used to provide remote studies allowing users to perform various activities, amongst others:

• to add study materials;
• a forum to share information and for discussions;
• the ability for individual students to submit work (with or without the plagiarism test) that ensures submission, correction, verification of content and return;
• interactive video lectures with recording and a discussion forum;
• virtual seminars with audio or video discussions between all participants;
• creation of electronic tests;
• electronic surveys;
• electronic voting.

All these and other tools have previously been actively used at RSU. More information on the tools available for both faculty and students can be found on the RSU e-studies platform. The lecturers are provided with pedagogical support materials to be able to implement the distance learning process, and everyone has access to the RSU IT Department and the Pedagogical Development Center.

In addition, there are lecturers available on the topic of online tutoring and the use of the tools mentioned above. RSU students are invited to reach out to vice-rectors and deans if they have questions about conducting the study remotely today (18 March).

Clear information on how to use the e-learning environment (IT tools, descriptions, instructions, links, consulting opportunities, etc.) is also available on the RSU website.