COVID-19: Should the university fees be reduced?

With the new order from MOHE for universities to conduct classes through online, it means that there will be less physical face to face classes.  Due to this, students would not be using any physical facilities that available at their respective universities such as classroom and such.

But there are other facilities that are offered through online such as library (even though they cannot borrow physical printed books), eLearning and others.  In fact, online classes are conducted by the same instructors (who are paid) but it is just the classes are conducted through online medium.

Of course, there are some courses which need hands-on practices like science experiments which might require the need of laboratories or specialised equipment, workshops for courses involving tinkering, sewing, cooking – referring to technical and vocational courses  or design studios which equips with costly or bulky equipment such as 3D printers or cutters.   For such cases, students need to attend physical face to face classes.

But, with the  decreased limited usage of university’s facilities and services, should the university fees be reduced?   That’s a question that would be thought well and it is something that is being discussed at the moment (HERE is the recent article from a internet).

COVID-19: Online Learning Tools for Effective Training [Part 1] by Dr Roslinda Alias

We know each other since 1996 (IIUM Matriculation Centre) at Lembah Pantai.  Yup.  We have known each other more than 20 years.  How time flies!  Indeed.  Fast forward, we are in our 40s and we are in the same line of profession – teaching.

During this MCO, she and her team have made enormous efforts to teach and train people who are not so tech-savvy like me to use online tools.  In my case, I learn anything related to online tools at my own pace – one thing at a time.  So, that is why, I don’t have any video like this yet (what I have so far is audio version without me appearing in the video).

HERE is her session entitled “Online Learning Tools for Effective Training [Part 1]”

Losing my patience?

Students are different.  No doubt about that.  But what I cannot stand the most is the clingy-super-dependent type with a sense of entitlement (I pay the fees so you need to serve me).  With such attitude, anyone can lose their patience any time.

When I went to UK, the Malaysian government had to pay the fees more than what the local students aka Brits has to pay.   But, did I feel that I was more entitled to receive better services?  No.  I never felt that way.  In fact, I feel that I need to work harder because I need to learn as much as I could from among the best people in the field.  My supervisor went to Oxbridge.  Not having the opportunity to go there myself, I feel blessed to have someone who was trained by among the best intellectuals as my supervisor.  His word “I suggest…” is a command that I would oblige without any single question.  Some might say, it is just a suggestion and why do I have to go extra length to do it.  Well, I respect him as my teacher.  I don’t need to wait for him to say “I want you to do this” to take action.

But things are different.  Is it because of our cultural differences?  I don’t have any answer to that.  Yet, based on my observation having a student coming from similar culture like my supervisor does not guarantee that this student will be independent and less clingy.  So, apparently there are similarities of clingy students across cultures.

When I got an email from this student asking me to remind whatever deadlines that this student needs to comply, I was thinking back in my mind “Since when I have become this student’s PA?” Again, it might has something to do with the intention of learning on a first place or the question of “Why”.

When I was a student, I know clearly WHY I should learn.  So, I aligned my intention  on how can I learn the best I could from my teacher/ lecturer/ supervisor.  I would figure out the strategies that I could use to learn the best I could from them.   It is always about myself.  What should I do to learn?  This is the question that I ask myself numerous times.

I don’t expect my students to be self-directed learners.   After all they are not primary nor secondary school students.  I just wish that I could say what one of my mentors used to say to me “Kick your a** before somebody kick yours“.

 

Online class ONLY with few exceptions at all universities in Malaysia

Since last March when the MCO was implemented, I have been improvising my class with various challenges that I have to overcome from my part and my students.  I can somewhat control how to find the solutions to the challenges that I have to face but I have little control on how to help my students overcome their challenges especially when it comes to the infrastructure or tools that needed for online classroom such as a smart phone or laptop or computer and internet connection.

But with the new normal and as what has been emphasised by the Ministry of Education and UTM, I have to find more alternatives to help my students with no or limited internet connection.  I search for alternatives such as Google Drive features (apparently, students can still view and work on Google Docs or Slide offline – HOW?  I still need to learn about this feature).

 

COVID-19: Eid Fitri

Alhamdullilah.  It is the 70th day of MCO.  I woke up as usual before Subuh and took a shower with the special niat and wore a normal shirt (it is still new).    To some, it is a new normal for them of not able to go anywhere to visit.  For me, it is a normal thing of not going anywhere.  When my late mom was still around, I would be the one who has to stay at home to care for her.  My other siblings would go out to visit relatives and whatsnot.

Since my mom passed away in 2017, this is my 3rd Eid without her.  But the routine never changes.  Like the past two years, I was not going anywhere.  I have to stay at home, just in case there would be people come to visit my family.

Nothing is changed.  Everything seems normal to me.  A new normal?  Well, not for me, at least.

 

Poster… poster….

I gave my students an assignment to create an infographic poster.   Wow… I am really impressed with them.  They use Adobe, Canva and so many other apps and software.  Me?  I only know how to use Canva but those who have seen my posters, they know that I need to improve and upgrade my skills and techniques.  I have a long way to go.  Indeed.

These students?  They belong to a different league.  It is hard to choose which the best.  I have my favorite though (tongue in cheek remark).  But I let them to vote two posters (not their own).  The criteria of evaluation: 1) accuracy of information, 2) interesting design/color, 3) attractive (the Wow factor).

Here are the posters (not rank into any specific order):

COVID-19: How does UTM prepare its academicians to use online platform to teach during MCO?

There are so many training courses and workshops provided by UTM since early April.  I missed a lot of the courses and workshops because of the stolen cable incident.  So, what I do is I ask my colleagues to attend the courses and they share with me what they have learned.    But most of the time, I learn on my own at my own pace.  I know my own capability to digest information at once especially relating to the technology stuff.  One thing at a time.  Indeed.

But nevertheless, there is a, official link where I can refer to and find information that I need to improve my skills to teach using online platform.

 

 

UTM Open Day