NORFOLK, Va. — After months of online learning, some students at Old Dominion University went back to the classroom Monday for face-to-face instruction.
The university said on its website that the return beginning on Feb. 1 was part of a “gradual” transition to in-person learning.
Other classes will return to face-to-face instruction on Feb. 15.
ODU student Alex Burton has taken all of his classes online since the pandemic forced universities and colleges around Hampton Roads to close classrooms.
“It’s been mostly virtual throughout the past year now," Burton said. “I wouldn’t say difficult but it’s definitely been different.”
He said although online lessons have helped him with time management, the university’s announcement is good news.
“I’m honestly excited about it because I came to college for the college atmosphere," he said. “Being around people, being able to see my friends on campus, and I definitely miss that. I know a lot of looking forward to getting back to that.”
He said the "college atmosphere" is something he and a lot of his friends are missing, that's a typical university experience of hanging out around campus and studying and attending classes with friends.
Burton said he’s hoping this return to in-person learning signals a return to normalcy; Although coronavirus cases remain high, Burton said taking the right precautions will help.
“To stay socially distanced, wear your mask on campus," he said. "As a football player, we have to wear our masks no matter where we are at on campus so that’s no problem for me. I’d feel like I’d be a good candidate of not spreading the virus around campus.”
According to ODU’s website, Students enrolled in in-person lessons will get an e-mail with the details and information about COVID-19 testing requirements.
