Coronavirus Pandemic Has Impact on Studies Held within the University of the Third Age
3. December 2020Contact classes held within the University of the Third Age have been suspended at Tomas Bata University in Zlín since spring already. Nevertheless, classes intended for senior citizens are held online, including also courses such as painting.
“It is a different way of teaching and learning. I do my best to carefully explain and show everything to the course participants, which is possible thanks to the modern technology. The course attendees are very skilful. They have to complete assignments, which they can later correct or redraw on a digital tablet, or they may react interactively if they find something difficult to understand,” explains Zuzana Bahulová, designer and lecturer.
In addition to classes of painting, attendees of the University of the Third Age may also take law or English classes online. Courses focused on digital photography, work with computers, as well as lectures about man and health are also being organized online since October. “Although sometimes it is not that easy for them, they take it as a challenge and work hard, which we really appreciate. At the same time, it gives them at least some social contact opportunities these days, which is important particularly for their mental health,” says Jarmila Hřebíčková, coordinator of the University of the Third Age at TBU.
The first year of the University of the Third Age commenced at Tomas Bata University in Zlín in the 2002/2003 academic year. At that time, two basic specializations were offered for 90 students, namely Technical and Economic Sciences and Social Sciences. “Last year, TBU organized over 50 semester courses in 13 specializations, and that for more than 900 students,” says Assoc. Prof. Adriana Knápková, TBU Vice-Rector for Internal and External Relations. It is usually the course “Man and Health” focused on psychology, physiology and lifestyle, which attracts most applicants. Detailed information about study opportunities within the U3A is available at www.utb.cz/u3v.
