By Lee Jing Ci
GEORGE TOWN: Due to the Movement Control Order (MCO) announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyddin Yassin, all Public and Private Institutions of Higher Learning have ceased on-campus activity and classes. Han Chiang University College of Communication (HCUC) has opted for the use of an E-Learning platform which allows students the flexibility of staying at home while studying online.
Koh Jun Ping, a Year 2 student of Mass Communication, said that he agrees with the idea of HCUC using the E-Learning platform to continue to deliver excellent education to students.
On the other hand, he is concerned that some students who live in rural areas may face the challenge of an unstable network which could affect the quality of E-Learning.
Online teaching vs face-to-face teaching in the classroom
Jun Ping also mentioned that he prefers face-to-face learning compared to E-Learning, because students would be able to address issues or concerns that they have in relation to the lectures without being hampered by potential technological obstacles that may arise.
“Although we have managed to receive responses from our lecturers to our queries posed through digital interactions and online platforms, the difference in quality of interaction experienced is significant,” he said.
In addition, Ilaiya Barathi Panneerselvam, a lecturer from the School of Communication and Media, mentioned that both methods of in-person and online learning have their own pros and cons.
“The online teaching method enables students to revisit the recorded lectures at any time according to their convenience, whereas this privilege is not made possible with face-to-face teaching.
With face-to-face teaching on the other hand, there is the immediacy of being able to discuss and address in-person the emerging confusions and doubts of students ,” says Barathi.
Lau Jia Yong, a Year 3 student undertaking Bachelor of Communication in Media Production believes that face to-face teaching is a good way to help students manage their time, as they clarify concerns or questions about a specific lesson as soon as possible before moving on to develop their understanding of other topics. Students would also be able to spend more time conducting research for assignments that are research-based. He expressed concerns that students may face difficulties when they do not understand content of online lectures.
“But, speaking as a student of tertiary education, you would still be able to clarify any queries by engaging in the process of independent creative problem-solving on your own,” said Jia Yong.
He said E-Learning is conducted remotely, so geographical location would not be a hindrance as long as Internet access is available. Participating in E-Learning also eases transportation problems students typically encounter when travelling to campus for face-to-face classes.
Impact of E-Learning
As a final year student of Mass Communication, Joan Chong Eileen is worried about the screening progress of her final year project.
As a result of the limitations to movement due to the MCO, she and her team members will be unable to conduct their video shootings outdoors, and the progress of her final year project may be delayed as a result of this limitation .
HCUC Vice-Chancellor Dr Beh Kok Hooi announced that HCUC will be launching an E-Learning platform in the upcoming April semester to fulfill the objectives of online teaching and learning.
He said the duration of E-Learning would last for about one semester, and students would only be permitted on campus grounds for exceptional situations like participation in studio work/broadcasting. Students who show up on campus would also be required to wear masks.
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