Some universities in Japan began opening their classrooms equipped with Wi-Fi internet access for students so that they can continue their courses online even if they have no internet connection at home.
Universities are putting a lot of effort to offer classes online amid the spread of the new coronavirus, and such option has been adopted mainly at universities and other institutions located in regional areas, where the number of those infected is small.
Many universities have restricted the entry of students, and devoted to avoiding the "Three Cs" of closed spaces, crowded places, and close-contact settings when opening to students.
At Niigata University, which began offering online classes on April 20, roughly 40 students use about 50 classrooms and common spaces every day. In order to avoid the Three Cs, the number of students allowed in a classroom is limited to about one-third the capacity, and signs are placed on unavailable seats in order to keep maintain distance between students.
A university education affairs official said: "The best way [to avoid infections] is to stay home, as there is a risk of being infected when coming to campus. But, there should be no difference in educational opportunities depending on internet environment."
Yamagata University began online classes earlier April and has encouraged its students to refrain from coming to campus, but the university has opened its classrooms equipped with computers, under the assumption that there are students who do not have computers. The classrooms offer a good amount of space between the seats and are well ventilated.
"This is the least we can do to ensure that all of our students receive an equal education," a school official said.
Private universities have taken similar measures. Yamanashi Gakuin Junior College opened its classrooms to students who unable to use the internet at home in tandem with the start of its online classes on April 15. Yamanashi Gakuin University, which plans to start online classes on May 11, is also asking its students whether they have computers or internet access at home, as it considers the possibility of opening its classrooms for online classes.
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