Using technology and e-learning maximise learning experience impact

Lecturers of Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) activated virtual classroom (e-learning) for all teaching and learning activities on 17 March 2020. The switch was due to the announcement through the Administrative Circular No. 3/2020 issued by the university to tackle the spread of Covid-19.

A lecturer from the Faculty of Computing, Ts. Aziman Abdullah, uses online e-learning mode via UMP Knowledge and Learning Management System (KALAM) and Google Classroom.
“Google Classroom is more convenient for notifying, giving feedback, and assessing students’ work. Meanwhile, KALAM is used for the purpose of accreditation or official university matters,” he said.
For instance, he designed the learning activities in the form of preparing proposals. 
“Students need to do their work during the session scheduled to complete within the stipulated time without having to go to the classroom.
“Lecturers should use e-learning technology to maximise the impact of meaningful learning experience among students. 
“Besides, this approach is practical not only during this restricted time such as the threat of an outbreak but also convenient during regular lecture sessions,” he said. 
He added that the biggest challenge in e-learning is the attitude and mentality of educators who resist changes and stay in their comfort zone of using the existing methods. 
Meanwhile, the Deputy Director of the Centre of Instructional Resources & e-Learning (CIReL), who is also a lecturer from the Faculty of Computing, Ts. Dr. Awanis Romli opted for Google Meet for her online class with her students recently.
She was overwhelmed with the encouraging students’ feedback that they were happy with the approach of online learning because they can learn anywhere. 
“Furthermore, UMP subscribes G Suites for Education that allows lecturers and students to use all the applications for free,” she said. 
Similarly, a lecturer from the Faculty of Industrial Management (FIM), Dr. Suhaidah Hussain, said that the learning session was executed smoothly. 
“This approach helps lecturers and students to continue to learn virtually without interrupting the class schedule.
“In addition, tutorials and forums can be carried out using KALAM. 
“The main challenge was the limited internet coverage in certain areas.  However, it is not an obstacle for lecturers and students to continue learning by utilising the current technology,” she said. 
In accordance with the announcement made by the Prime Minister on 25 March 2020 on the extension of the enforcement of the National Movement Control Order and the temporary closure of all Public Higher Education Institutions in Malaysia, Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) is suspending all of its service operations from 18 March to 14 April 2020. 
Accordingly, all teaching and learning sessions including online learning, in UMP are suspended during the National Movement Control Order period. 
UMP will also make amendments to the academic calendar for Semester II, Session 2019/2020 and the details will be notified later.