Maritime Students to Complete Course Regardless: Abeynayake
Fiji Maritime Academy (FMA) students have completed their Certificate of Proficiency in Personal Safety and Social Responsibility online during the COVID-19 lockdown.
FMA chief executive officer Mahesa Abeynayake said the online course was the first of its kind for them.
“Students learn most of the theory through the on-line learning platform, Moodle. The final assessment is done face to face at the Academy,” Mr Abeynayake said.
“Examination of competencies is a rigorous interrogation of knowledge, structured in a way that it would not be possible for students to pass if they do not complete the course diligently as required,” he said.
“Navigation through the courses involved lessons and quizzes which students read and answer to progress on to the next section.
“The advantage of this type of learning is that students can complete the course from anywhere in Fiji and not wait for a group of minimum students to conduct a face-to face class,” he said.
“Blended mode facilitates continuous learning through lessons and videos available to study online throughout. Content can be viewed several times unlike a face to face session where they will see just one time.”
Meanwhile, all regional students will complete their studies regardless, says Mr Abeynayake.
He confirmed that regional students would continue their studies until they graduate at the end of this year
“The regional students in Nautical Science have completed their studies and are currently doing short courses; those enrolled with Marine
Engineering have one more semester to go,” he said.
“COVID-19 pandemic has not affected their studies. They are all sponsored students and are all well supported by their sponsors by way of having their meals, accommodation and all tuition fees paid for. “They were also given computers and internet access to participate in online learning during the lockdown period.”