UTHM introduces 21st Century Learning
BATU PAHAT: Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) has implemented the Smart Classroom System to expand its teaching and learning capabilities.
The development of this initiative attracted the attention of the Education Ministry’s education technology division (BTP), which witnessed a demonstration of the system on Monday.
The 21st Century Learning (PAK21) briefing, which was attended by the top management of universities, teachers and students, was presented by UTHM’s Centre for Global Online Learning (CGOL) head Zainal Abidin Sayadi.
The strategic collaboration between UTHM, BenQ and Projector Doctor culminated in the creation of the user-friendly Classroom Management System, which aims to produce a diverse array of activities in the classroom, either collaboratively or individually.
The smart classrooms are not only equipped with 4K Technology Interactive TV sets for teaching purposes, but also provide interactive facilities between classrooms from various locations, utilising a video conferencing application.
The effective implementation of the smart classes depends on the use of sophisticated equipment, as well as the layout and the implementation of a more flexible learning environment.
The concept of PAK21 places special emphasis on Higher Level Thinking Skills (KBAT), and on the implementation of teaching that would be capable of creating creative and critical-thinking, problem-solving and effective communication.
BTP deputy director Mohd Haliza Mohd Adnan, who attended the briefing, said the system was designed to be adapted into PAK21 at secondary and primary levels.
Apart from developing conducive infrastructure and meeting the features of PAK21, CGOL delivers training and advisory services related to e-learning, in line with the Ninth Malaysia Education Development Plan — Higher Education (2015 - 2025).
Last year, the centre successfully implemented nearly 50 training sessions and courses related to the subject with the involvement of most UTHM academic staff.
The courses are aimed at providing exposure to the rapid development of teaching materials and to the latest technology in education. The most important aspect is how lecturers can make technology a catalyst for teaching and learning.
The expertise placed at CGOL has been recognised by other educational institutions after it was entrusted to develop the Augmented Reality registration system for the 21st Century Learning Conference organised by the Johor Education Department in April last year and Southern Zone STEM Colloquium 2017 organised by the Education Ministry in November.
UTHM Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Wahid Razzaly said he believed CGOL was one of the most important entities in supporting the teaching and learning process at the university.
Blended Learning is the focus of the centre, combining full online classrooms and face-to-face sessions in the classroom. The centre is responsible for developing a course under the “Massive Online Open Courses” (MOOC) initiative. To date, a total of 25 MOOC courses have been developed by all faculties and schools at UTHM.
In enhancing the teaching and learning process, UTHMRadio, which is operating online under CGOL since 2014, has become a vital part of the centre.
Audio-formatted learning materials were delivered in a relaxed and entertaining manner to listeners. To increase the number of listeners, UTHMRadio broadcasts live through Facebook.
Now, UTHMRadio is taking a step forward by collaborating with government and private agencies as strategic partners.
According to Zainal Abidin, the move will make UTHMRadio a channel for information not only for university students but also for local and international communities.