Aquaculture education goes on despite college closures
Fish farmers undergoing Modern Apprenticeships administered by the NAFC Marine Centre at Scalloway, Shetland will still be able to carry on working towards their qualifications despite a decision to shut the college yesterday because of the Covid-19 epidemic.
A statement on the college’s website said NAFC staff are working remotely and will endeavour to continue providing as normal a service as possible except for face-to-face teaching, adding that some delays and interruptions may occur.
A spokesperson for the college said the closure should have little effect on its Modern Apprenticeship (MA) students, as they largely work remotely in any case and do not normally receive face-to-face teaching.
Site visits suspended
“The only substantive change is that site visits by NAFC staff will be suspended until further notice. NAFC staff will continue to provide support by electronic means,” said the spokesperson.
“Our online courses are also unaffected by the closure, with online tutor support again continuing as normal.”
Inverness College, which also offers MAs in aquaculture, closed last week but is also continuing to provide teaching remotely.
Lectures online
Students at the University of Stirling’s Institute of Aquaculture are also continuing to be taught via the internet.
A skeleton staff is keeping the university open, but all face-to-face teaching has been suspended and most staff are working from home.
“Lectures and workshops continue online,” said university communications officer Greg Christison.
“We are looking at new methods of assessment.”
The Scottish Association for Marine Sience (SAMS) at Dunstaffnage, Oban is also closed, with staff working from home and students being taught online.
