With the extension of the MCO, students are spending a longer time away from campus. While some are happy to stay home, others cannot wait to get back to campus. To keep students learning at home and to keep them interested to continue learning, UTAR has gone online with e-learning and interactive discussions using software tools and technology. The academics have been working to keep online lessons interesting and engaging so that learning objectives continue to be achieved even when the students are at home.
These online learning resources are the combined efforts of its academic staff and its e-learning team who started e-learning years ago to complement face-to-face teaching and to use technology that is more engaging for the students. UTAR academics write and compile the learning materials and contents, focusing on key learning outcomes in the curriculum. Over the years, this e-learning programme has been enhanced and expanded to include new technological tools and resources.
UTAR is also sharing with the public, school teachers and students, some of its e-learning resources, which can be accessed via
https://e-learning.utar.edu.my/e-Learning-Environment-Public.php
No password is needed. This link on e-learning is dedicated to the public and school teachers and students who want to know more about e-learning and the various tools they can use. There are also educational resources to read so that they can use their time at home to continue learning online during this period. School students and even parents can be introduced to e-learning and the various tools that are available; especially students who are new to online learning and can prepare themselves before going to universities.
UTAR Vice President of Internationalisation and Academic Development, Ir Prof Dr Yow Ho Kwang said that, “During this MCO period, UTAR has implemented e-learning where lecturers conduct lectures and tutorials online (synchronous and asynchronous).
Lecturers use video conferencing tools such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Skype to deliver lectures online in synchronous mode which takes place in real time. In addition, lecturers can use Kahoot!, Padlet, and Mentimeter as an interactive way to engage students in the online classroom. These tools can also be used by students to do academic discussions online with their classmates.
Furthermore, UTAR has its own learning management system, namely, the Web-Based Learning Environment (WBLE) platform for asynchronous mode where lecturers upload course materials in digital form; such as, lecture video clips, course materials, voice over ppt files and other supplementary information, and interact with students via email and forum posts so that online learning can take place at any time and at students’ own pace. Over the years, course materials of over 1,500 courses have been made available through our Google-driven WBLE2 to UTAR students, staff and alumni for learning purposes.
Our UTAR technical support team works closely with our academics and assists in supporting virtual teaching, ICT infrastructures and infostructures. However, it is worth noting that the focus of online learning is about people and all relevant stakeholders engaging in interactive communication to deliver the intended learning outcomes, assisted by technological devices.”
Online Education Fair 线上教育展
Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) 拉曼大学
https://edufair.fsi.com.my/utar
