Last November, the semester at universities in Hong Kong was cut short after protests spilled on to campuses.
At that time, students could barely contemplate the possibility of switching to online mode. Some professors were flooded with emails from students struggling to present in groups in an online class or being able to complete assignments without library access. How things have changed.
When coronavirus threatened to break out after China’s Lunar New Year festival in February, universities rapidly decided to switch to online mode. There was no option but to organise group debates online and make the most of online whiteboards.
Within days of the announcement in early February, my university’s education innovation department whirred into action, organising intensive Zoom training sessions for thousands of instructors and graduate teaching assistants over a two-week period.
It was almost as though, already on an emergency footing from the riots of last year, universities and students were more open to adapting to the new challenges. Professors from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology began sharing their experiences in online learning with those around the world who are facing the same situation.
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The coronavirus crisis highlights the critical importance of emergency preparedness and cooperation for global universities. Clear and calm communication is key in times of such uncertainty.
I’m impressed by the way students here, mostly from Hong Kong and mainland China, have continued studying resolutely even in the face of such a tumultuous year. Many students in my classes participated actively, some perched next to their bed with a laptop, several more from their kitchen.
Students in Hong Kong have had to handle a lot in the past year. An undergraduate student at my university died during the protests last year. His death was announced during one of our graduation ceremonies held on campus and many parents and students laid down flowers and teddy bears as a tribute on campus.
That weekend, Hong Kong was overtaken by the biggest wave of protests so far, with universities as a focal point. Although my university remained quiet owing to enhanced security, the campus emptied out within a couple of days. Chinese students lined up for coaches to travel to hostels across the border.
International exchange students hugged and cried as their time abroad was cut short. Graduation ceremonies and classes were cancelled.
At first, I was stunned. In hindsight, I am grateful that my university took student safety so seriously. Access gates were quickly set up to allow entry only to students and staff. Groups of extra security guards were drafted in. We received daily emails updating us on the situation, and instructors and supervisors checked on our well-being.
In February, when coronavirus broke out in mainland China, students living on campus were asked to leave if they could, so that returning Chinese students could be housed for their two-week quarantine. Within a week, a temperature-checking station was set up and we have been able to collect one mask per student per day to wear. Hand sanitiser is available around campus, as it has always been.
For young people in Hong Kong, the future remains unclear. This year has been one filled with anger, frustration and a feeling of hopelessness for most.
A recent study by the University of Hong Kong showed that about a third of Hongkongers were experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Mental health and well-being services need to be improved at all levels of the community.
Nonetheless I have noticed a sense of grit and resilience in students that is admirable. On a personal level, I have learned a lot from the crises this year.
Read more: International perspective: a Chinese student in Canada during the coronavirus outbreak
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