New learning pathways
> Help University pioneers work-based learning
THE Faculty of Computing and Digital Technology 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) work-based learning (WBL) component.
This new component, as part of the BIT degree, will involve one year of WBL where the BIT student will be placed in industry and 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.
The subjects selected for the WBL component according to Dr Sien Ven Yu, dean of the Faculty of Computing and Digital Technology in HELP will connect the HU classroom to real-world learning, thus allowing the student 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 constantly updated to match industry standards. HELP University has chosen to connect the student directly with industry by providing the WBL option. For one year, the BIT intern will be based in industry, while completing all his/her final year subjects, with lecturers regularly monitoring his/her progress,” said Sien.
Philip Tan, managing director of Pilot Multimedia (M) Sdn Bhd, the industry partner for the inaugural WBL programme in January 2018 said he felt this was the best way forward in terms of academia and also industry experience.
“The main reason I have undertaken this task is to ensure that students can enhance their soft skills such as project management, writing proposals as well as written and communication skills. The BIT interns will be exposed to specialised software on building data warehouses, of which Pilot Multimedia is the pioneer. We pioneered the first data warehouse for an overseas bank in 1993 and have developed specialisations that will benefit the BIT interns,” said Tan.
Over the years, Pilot Multimedia developed a very advanced state of the art 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,” said Tan.
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, according to Tan 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 BIT students can develop their initiative and therefore ask more questions. They will also learn how to diagnose problems and solve them.
In his view, Tan said, 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.
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.
The pioneering BIT programme with the WBL component bridges the gap between industry and academia and will expose BIT interns to the best of both worlds.
Currently, the Faculty of Computing and Digital Technology (FCDT), HU offers four programmes, the Diploma in Information Technology, a two-year programme, which 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 (BIT) (Hons), will encompass the WBL component to be introduced for those joining the 2018 intake.
In January 2018, the FCDT will also introduce a completely new programme, the Postgraduate Certificate in Software Engineering (PGCSE) in collaboration with the International Technological University (ITU), a Western Association Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredited non-profit graduate University in San Jose, California, located close to high-tech companies like Apple, Google, Cisco and Apple.
This unique one and a half year Master of Science in Software Engineering enables students to gain a full year of working experience in the US, where they are paid a salary and gain work experience at the same time. The pathway requires students to spend six months in HELP University and complete five modules before being accepted at ITU.
Prof Gregory O'Brien, president and CEO, ITU said, “ITU is very proud to be working with HELP University's Post Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering.
“This solid programme will help 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 the 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 more information, call 03-2716 2000, email marketing@help.edu.my or visit website www.help.edu.my