Pioneers in work-based learning
THE Faculty of Computing and Digital Technology (FCDT) in HELP University (HU) forges ahead with its plan to introduce new learning pathways in its latest Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) honours degree by incorporating a two years at university and one year in industry (2U1i) workbased learning (WBL) component.
This new component, as part of the BIT degree, will involve one year of WBL where BIT students will be placed in industry to gain WBL experience, while completing all the final year academic subjects at the same time.
The schedule of classes will be tailor-made to fit the WBL programme to ensure a good balance for the HELP IT intern.
According to the FCDT dean Dr Sien Ven Yu, the subjects selected for the WBL component will connect the HU classroom to realworld learning, thus allowing students to learn the skills and knowledge needed for real world careers.
“Technology is constantly evolving and whatever is taught in the classroom needs to be updated to match industry standards.
“HELP University has chosen to connect the student directly with industry by providing the WBL option.
“For one year, BIT interns will be based in industry while completing all their final year subjects, with lecturers regularly monitoring their progress,” said Dr Sien.
Pilot Multimedia (M) Sdn Bhd managing director Philip Tan, the industry partner for the inaugural WBL programme in January 2018, felt this was the best way forward in terms of academia and industry experience.
“The main reason I have undertaken this task is to ensure that students can enhance their soft skills such as project management and writing proposals, as well as written and communication skills.
“BIT interns will be exposed to specialised software on building data warehouses, of which Pilot Multimedia is the pioneer,” said Tan.
“Over the years, Pilot Multimedia developed advanced credit risk storing systems and with this type of pioneering and unique expertise, we are in a good position to train those intending to do their WBL BIT degree programme with us,” he said.
Tan believes that since his company is competing with the best, its success gives the company credibility and the niche software provides the BIT interns with an undeniable edge when dealing with top-notch clients.
The other advantage of WBL is how students learn to transform business requirements to information technology solutions.
In terms of curriculum, Tan believes this is the best way forward as learning is not just based on textbooks and theoretical aspects.
Experiential learning means the BIT students can develop their initiative and therefore ask more questions. They will also learn how to diagnose problems and solve them.
“BIT students, in the long term, will develop more depth and knowledge in how they deal with developing business solutions to fit their client’s needs,” Tan said.
Dr Sien said academic standards are not the only determining factor in ensuring the success of IT students but the development of their soft skills such as conflict management, problem-solving and teamwork are all attributes critical to the success of graduates in the workplace.
Currently, the FCDT offers four programmes. The Diploma in Information Technology is a two-year programme that opens up pathways to two top Australian universities – the University of Queensland and Australian National University – and one in the UK, Cardiff University.
The faculty also runs three degree programmes; the Bachelor of Information Technology (Hons) as well as the Bachelor of Information Technology (Hons) in Business Information Management and also Mobile Computing.
The Bachelor of Information Technology (Hons) will encompass the WBL component to be introduced for those joining the 2018 intake.
In January, the FCDT will also introduce a new programme, the Postgraduate Certificate in Software Engineering, in collaboration with the International Technological University (ITU).
The Western Association Schools and Colleges accredited non-profit graduate university in San Jose, California, is located close to high-tech companies such as Google, Cisco and Apple.
This unique one-and-a-half year Master’s of Science in Software Engineering enables students to gain a full year of working experience in the US while being paid a salary.
The pathway requires students to spend six months in HU and complete five modules before being accepted at ITU.
ITU president and CEO Prof Gregory O’Brien said, “ITU is very proud to be working with HELP University’s Postgraduate Certificate in Software Engineering. This programme will prepare students for careers in software engineering in Silicon Valley and globally. They are also eligible for an accelerated Master’s programme at ITU in the heart of Silicon Valley where they will learn from and work side by side with Silicon’s leaders in the world’s centre of entrepreneurship and innovation.”
For details, call 03-2716 2000, e-mail marketing@help.edu.my or log on to http://www.help.edu.my