USM, UPM go online amid Covid-19 outbreak

KUALA LUMPUR: At least two public universities have turned to e-learning to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) began virtual classes yesterday while Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) will conduct its sessions today. In a statement posted on its Facebook page, USM Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Faisal Rafiq Mahamd Adikan said all physical lectures would be suspended.

“The university, with expertise from the Centre for Development of Academic Excellence (CDAE), is implementing a larger-scale shift in teaching and learning to an online approach that minimises social interaction.

“These changes will certainly raise many questions for educators and students. The dean of each school will communicate directly with all lecturers and students in making this change possible,” Faisal said.

UPM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (academic & international) Professor Dr M. Iqbal Saripan said all lecturers and tutorials would be conducted online from Mar 16 to Mar 20 as a preventive measure.

“Students are allowed to attend the online classes from their hometowns,” he said, adding that all practical and outside-class activities had also been postponed.

As for Universiti Malaya and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, lecturers would need to prepare for the eventuality of holding virtual classes.

Source: NST