VIRTUAL MOBILITY IS THE ANSWER
THE world has almost come to a complete stop due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The disease has been a reset button that affects not only the lives of millions of people, but more importantly, the way nature works.
Many industries and institutions are badly affected, and most countries are bracing for the worst for their economies. The global impact of Covid-19 will be the central issue of discussions in the news and on social media for quite some time, even after a vaccine is found.
In Malaysia, when news of the outbreak was first reported in late January, there were mixed feelings and reactions on how the disease spreads and the magnitude of its destruction to human beings. Fear of the unknown affects how fast people act and react.
However, in academia, the higher education community immediately found solutions to the challenges posed by Covid-19. Teaching and learning moved online. Prior to Covid-19, universities had planned for mobility activities, such as summer and exchange student programmes.
Following the closure of borders, people’s movements came to a standstill, forcing almost all international travel to come to a halt. Thus, international mobility became impossible. The real challenge is for universities to continue their international mobility activities despite the ongoing “war” with the deadly coronavirus.
Many will question the possibility or even the relevance of conducting such activities. This is where “virtual mobility” comes in. By definition, virtual mobility involves students or academics participating in activities at other institutions outside their countries without physically attending them. Virtual mobility is the answer to physical mobility concerns and has opened the door to many other opportunities.
People are being creative in providing content and creating impactful knowledge that can be shared with others. The number of participants in a programme could also be doubled as the costs are much lower as there is no need to pay for travel, accommodation and meals.
The Covid-19 pandemic could be a blessing in disguise as it puts everyone in a position to learn about and educate themselves on the latest technology to embrace challenges seamlessly. One might never have had the urge to use video conferencing applications such as Zoom and Webex, were it not for Covid-19.
Things that were physically possible are now virtually possible. Virtual conferences, forums, ceremonies and workshops, as well as live webinars, are the new norm.
However, many people will want to go back to the old norm of faceto-face interactions, especially for personal impressions.
As the effect of Covid-19 is here to stay for maybe a few more months or the entire year, let us not forget to always be mindful of our surroundings. As we are constantly bombarded by unlimited distractions from technology, news and events, it is crucial now more than ever to focus on our wellbeing as well.
DR JUDITH GISIP
Office of International Affairs, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi Mara, Shah Alam, Selangor