The measures taken by Unimas included to bolster the university’s information technology (IT) infrastructure so that online learning and teaching sessions can be fully implemented. – Bernama photo
KOTA SAMARAHAN: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) has allocated RM1 million to implement measures to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Its vice chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi said the measures taken included to bolster the university’s information technology (IT) infrastructure so that online learning and teaching sessions can be fully implemented.
“This online learning and teaching session implementation is implemented to avoid face-to-face meetings and gatherings as a measure to curb the spread of the Covid-19 outbreak,” he said.
Kadim explained that all teaching and learning activities at Unimas are currently postponed following the extension of the semester break from March 14 to 31 in line with the Movement Control Order (MCO).
When the semester resumes on April 1, he said classes will be conducted on online learning and teaching basis until a new notice is received pertaining government’s latest measure on Covid-19.
According to him, Unimas is bolstering its IT infrastructure to expand the use of its current online learning system known as the eLEAP (e-Learning Enrichment and Advancement Platform).
He pointed out Unimas in fact has begun eLEAP for the past two decades which provides a variety of online learning and teaching methods and is easy to use by lecturers and students.
These include downloading or uploading learning materials in a variety of multimedia formats such as video, audio, images, graphics and text; links to other related websites and learning resources; lecturer lecture room; and others.,
“We in Unimas are confident that the infrastructure can accommodate all existing eLEAP users.
“In addition, lecturers will also use ‘live class streaming’ applications such as Zoom.Us and Skype. All students will be notified by their respective lecturers about the use of the applications,” he added.
Kadim mentioned these in a statement to welcome the approval given by the Higher Education Ministry (KPT) for all higher education institutions (IPTs) including public and private universities to conduct online teaching or e-learning.
KPT in a statement on Friday said online teaching could only be conducted if all students have access to lecturers and all infrastructure requirements are in place.
“The ministry is aware of the level of readiness of some higher education institutions, in terms of infrastructure and lecturers as well as those offering programmes via Open and Distance Learning,” wrote the statement.
KPT hoped there would be no issue over connectivity causing some to miss the e-learning session adding that face-to face learning is strictly prohibited.