Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) has moved all classes to open and distance learning (ODL) mode effective April 13 until the end of the semester for all its campuses nationwide.
All extracurricular activities are also put on hold.
UiTM Institute of Continuing Education and Professional Studies chief executive officer Professor Dr Azizul Halim Yahya, who is leading the shift to ODL, said all academic activities conducted are a blend of asynchronous (without real-time interaction) and synchronous (real-time interaction) online learning.
“For students with poor Internet connections, materials are sent through email. For those with good Internet connections, teaching and learning will be conducted through low data applications, such as WhatsApp or Telegram.
“Synchronous sessions are held in moderation considering students’ limitations, especially those with poor Internet speeds.
“They are conducted according to students’ timetables to avoid overlapping online classes. Students with good Internet connections can join the scheduled sessions. Students can also participate in self-paced asynchronous learning activities on the university’s online learning platform (UFUTURE).
Investment management student Syafiqah Jalil from UiTM Segamat, Johor said she is adjusting to online classes.
“It is a bit challenging for me to focus on the lessons since I am at home, the place where I usually rest and spend time with my family. I am slowly adapting.
“Students with poor connections are unable to participate in video conferences with lecturers. So, we will discuss the things we learn in a WhatsApp group .
“Some of us prefer if online classes are held outside of the designated timetable because there are students who need to help with the house chores or work to help their parents gain extra income as they are greatly affected by the Movement Control Order (MCO).”
She said e-learning has opened up opportunities for students to be more engaged in lectures.
“Online classes promote an effective two-way communication between students and lecturers. My classmates who were shy to speak up in normal classes before are comfortable interacting online.
UiTM Seremban student Muhammad Firdaus Shariman said lecturers prefer to use Google Meet for online learning.
“It is easier for them to monitor what we are doing and to ensure that we are all learning at the same pace. E-learning offers great flexibility,” said Firdaus, who is in his second year of Corporate Administration diploma.
However, he said, some of his classmates can’t fully experience e-learning due to poor Internet connections.
“It is quite hard for some to focus on the topics that are being discussed as they cannot interact and ask lecturers questions.
“Some of us did not bring our notes and textbooks back home,” he added.
“Students should not depend on online classes only. It is crucial for them to do a lot of self-study,” said Bachelor of Pharmacy student Nurwani Wahida Kamarudin from UiTM Puncak Alam, Selangor.
“In normal lectures, I can concentrate on what lecturers are saying, which makes it easy for me to understand a topic. I can easily jot down any extra information from them.
“With online classes, students tend to get left behind if they are not equipped with good Internet connections. Lecturers, however, provide a platform for students to ask questions if we don’t understand a lesson.
“Different lecturers have different styles. Some prefer Google Meet as it can accommodate more than 100 participants at the same time. It is convenient for them since our batch consists of 183 students.
“There are also lecturers who come out with videos and share them with students. They also provide PowerPoint slides and recorded instructions.
“I believe that the university and lecturers are doing their best in giving students the best online learning experience.”
