LETTER: In most public universities, Open Distance Learning (ODL) is going to take place once again due to the increasing and never-ending cases of Covid-19.
Even though many were not prepared to go through it last semester, somehow, everything went smoothly despite the pandemic that is still haunting us with its new clusters and virus mutations.
With ODL, students get the opportunity to learn from the comfort of their own homes with their family close to them. Learning materials have become a lot easier to access as students can do their own readings and research on the internet.
However, communication is limited compared to having face-to-face classes, because students can only communicate and see each other on online platforms such as Google Meet, Webex, WhatsApp and Telegram.
The good side of this is the use of online platforms, enabling students to communicate with their lecturers and friends at almost any time, and encourages more than two-way interactions.
For educators, the knowledge of conducting online classes has become better, with all sorts of webinars and trainings held to assist lecturers in teaching and assessing students online.
At the same time, the needs and limitations of students via ODL will surely be taken into consideration while planning and administering the content. The assessments too have to be adapted to suit the current online semester.
For this upcoming semester, it is hoped that both educators and students will be more prepared to continue with ODL once again.
Based on previous experience, ODL will help both parties manage and organise teaching and learning better for the best outcomes.
NURSYUHADA ZAKARIA
UiTM JOHOR
Pasir Gudang campus