GEORGE TOWN: Universiti Sains Malaysia’s (USM) encouraging participation at its online learning sessions has led the university to resume its second semester via virtual class earlier this month.
USM deputy vice-chancellor (academic and international) Prof Datuk Dr Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah, said 1,421 courses were conducted online involving more than 16,000 students, which translated into 89.24 per cent participation.
“Earlier, USM had conducted various initiatives, including engaging the students to identify their internet connectivity for online learning and planning strategies to ensure that 100 per cent of the student population could participate in remote learning.
“USM also conducted learning sessions for the academic staff to provide them with exposure, training and reinforcement in various aspects for them to be more prepared to hold remote learning sessions.”
USM also monitored the online sessions and gathered feedback from participants for continuous improvements.
USM had earlier anticipated between 10 and 15 per cent of students would experience problems with internet accessibility, either due to weak connectivity, or none at all.
For such a case, USM allows online learning sessions to be held on low bandwidth involving pre-recorded sessions and live recording of classes.
“USM has even taken the initiative to engage with several main telecommunication service providers in the country to embark on a collaboration which will allow students to have greater access to the USM e-learning portal through their smartphones.
“I trust that the lecturers have persevered in making the best of the situation, and I hope that all students will be able to undergo the learning process as best as they can,” Ahmad Farhan said.