【推荐1】A PROFESSOR at Loyola University New Orleans taught his first online class from his courtyard, wearing a bathrobe (浴袍). The trouble caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has drawn various responses at colleges struggling to continue teaching. This is widely being referred to as “online higher education.” There are even predictions that it will lead to a permanent departure from real campuses to virtual classrooms. However, all indications suggest that it probably won’t.

Real online education lets students move at their own pace. Additionally, developing a real online course can consume as much as a year. “That is not what is happening right now,” said Vijay Govindarajan, a professor at Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business. “What is happening now is we had eight days to put everything we do in class onto Zoom.”

What students are mistaking now for online education — long class meetings in videoconference rooms, professors in their bathrobes, DIY teaching tools — appears to be making them less open to it. In a survey of 14,000 college students in early April, 67 percent said they didn’t find online classes as effective as in-person ones. Among high school seniors, fewer than one in ten thought they would consider online college classes.

These opinions suggest that there is little likelihood that students will completely abandon their real-world campuses for cyberspace. Students who want classes best provided face to face, such as those in the performing arts or those which require lab work, will most likely continue to take them that way.

There will be some important lasting influences, though. Students are experiencing a flexible type of learning they may not like as undergraduates. The trend may not transform higher education, but it is likely to promote the combination of technology into it.

“Let’s take advantage of this moment to start a larger conversation about the whole design of higher education,” said Dr. Govindarajan. “We had better not lose this opportunity.”

【推荐2】Country Walks

Hope Village

A leisurely（悠闲的）way to spend an hour or two is by visiting the busy village of Hope with its lovely country gardens. A gentle walk towards the hills will soon bring you to excellent views.

Country Park

The Lime House here attracts thousands of visitors, but this is a pleasant walk away from the crowds, through parkland, woods and up onto the hills. Popular with bird-watchers. The house was built in 1570.

Cornford

This is an easy walk through a little-known valley. See the 200-year-old buildings from the cloth-making industry which now stand empty.

Devonshire Park

Allow at least half a day, or make it a full day by visiting the adventure playground and farmyard. Guided walks are available for small groups.

Howden Lake

This two-hour walk attracts thousands of visitors. Children can go sailing on the lake with trainers.

Stanton

This walk is certainly for very fit walkers only—the paths get very slippery (滑的）after rain. Allow six hours and start early. You're unlikely to meet another person all day. Be sure to pack food - you'll be up on the hilltops all day.

Langsett

This is an exciting walk along easy paths, which are crowded at weekends. And it's a popular place for family picnics. Guided walks start from the nearby village and visit 800-year-old woodland.

【推荐3】Best Christmas Markets around the World

Christmas shopping doesn't have to mean joylessly battling through department store crowds or trawling the Internet for bargains. Why not combine present-buying with some travel?

Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg, in eastern France, is home to one of Europe's oldest Christmas markets, with the first edition taking place in 1570.

Before getting lost down Strasbourg's narrow alleyways and beautiful squares, visitors should be sure to head to Place Kleber, where they'll find the Great Christmas Tree, a towering effort that puts the spruce (云杉)at New York Rockefeller Center to shame.

Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, Prague, Czech Republic

No city lends itself to Christmas better than Prague.

The city's two main Christmas markets, in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, are only five minutes' walk from each other, so can both easily be explored in one day. Each one has the usual wooden huts found in similar markets across Europe, but the Czech treats are what really set them apart. Visitors can grab a klob sa ( Czech sausage) and wash it down with a Pilsner Urquell in the afternoon, then hang around for the main tree to be lit up on Old Town Square. Both markets are open every day over the festive period until January 6, including Christmas Day.

Grand Christmas Market, Montreal, Canada

Montreal^’s Grand Christmas Market in Canada takes its inspiration from Europe's biggest festive events.

Running from December 1 to 24 in the pedestrian thoroughfare of Ste Catherine Street, it has more than 60 wooden houses plying their wares, from warming winter drinks to essential Christmas handicrafts. The market is especially good for kids, with an elves' (精灵)workshop, Santa^’s sleigh and even an igloo. Although it closes its doors on Christmas Eve, Montreal's Grand market reopens a week later to see in the New Year.

Viennese Christmas Market, Vienna, Austria

Few cities steep (沉浸)themselves in the festive spirit like Vienna. The Austrian capitals first Christmas Market was held in 1298 and today the city has more than 20 events to choose from. With around 151 stalls serving everything from boozy Christmas punch to gut busting Austrian sausages, the market also boasts a huge ice rink (溜冰场)for skating and reindeer rides for kids.