COVID-19 Course Information

Updated: October 6, 2022

Students wearing masks during COVID-19

HELP continues to conduct classes in-person following the best health & safety guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic.  During the ongoing pandemic, HELP remains committed to providing the best learning environment for our students while keeping our HELP ʻohana safe and healthy.

Since Fall 2020, HELP has continuously offered IN-PERSON courses for students.
Please contact us for online options.

For in-person courses, we will be following all guidelines set forth by the CDC; Federal, State, and Local Government; and University of Hawaii officials.  Official University of Hawai’i at Mānoa guidance for the campus can be found on the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa: COVID-19 Information & Resources page.

HELP Course Format

HELP will continue to hold courses in-person with appropriate health & safety measurements in place, and with flexibility to adjust to any health concerns that may arise. During the pandemic, HELP courses were re-developed so that they can be seamlessly transitioned into a hybrid or online format. The re-developed courses continue to be top-quality Academic English courses and achieve the same objectives as previous HELP courses. Our courses continue to help students develop the skills needed to reach their academic goals.

Flipped Classroom Model

Our courses follow a Flipped Learning Approach to language learning.  Flipped learning has three parts: pre-class work at home, in-class work, and after-class work. Pre-class work before a new topic or textbook unit begins could be a video to watch or a text to read along with questions to answer so students can see how much they have learned. In-class class work consists of discussions, worksheets, projects and other activities to get students talking and using the vocabulary and concepts being taught in the unit. After class work expands on the work done in class, such as additional reading, writing, or small group project work. For more information about Flipped Learning, go to FlippedLearning.org.

Online Course Format (Contingency)

If HELP courses need to be transitioned online, HELP will follow the same model used for our Spring 2020 & Summer 2020 online courses.  Courses will be held synchronously using Zoom, and classes will be managed using Google Classroom.  Students should be prepared to use both platforms if necessary.

Student Expectations

HELP courses have always required students to spend time outside of class on homework assignments and projects. Because of the nature of the flipped classroom, students will continue to spend significant time outside of class completing assignments, such as the tasks described above.  The tasks will differ from traditional homework assignments and prepare students for the flipped learning environment.

New students are required to bring a laptop or similar device to access class materials and complete asynchronous assignments such as watching videos or completing online tasks. All classes will be primarily using e-books and other digital material, though printed material may also be used for the in-person class sessions. The student’s device must also have video conferencing capabilities in case the student needs to meet with an instructor virtually.

If students do not have a working device to connect to classes remotely, HELP will provide device rental until the student can obtain necessary technology.

COVID-19 Health and Safety Policies

HELP is following all guidelines set by the CDC; Federal, State, and Local Government; and University of Hawai’i officials.  Official University of Hawai’i at Mānoa preparations and guidance can be found on the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa: COVID-19 Information & Resources website.

HELP’s COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidelines are as follows:

  • Face masks are highly recommended in all classes on campus.
  • Students are highly encouraged to be FULLY VACCINATED for COVID-19 before attending in-person classes.
  • Students who are ill should stay home and complete distance learning assignments.
  • Students who test positive for COVID-19 must inform the HELP office and complete isolation requirements as recommended by the CDC before being allowed to return in-person.
  • COVID-19 requirements may change suddenly so please check the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa: COVID-19 Information & Resources for updated guidelines.

All HELP students are presented with COVID-19 Health & Safety guidelines at orientation and are given reminders about health policies throughout their stay. HELP’s staff and housing coordinators are well-prepared to assist students with any COVID-19 related situation.