UKM ready to implement hybrid learning, flexible schedule
KUALA LUMPUR - Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) is ready with a robust learning management system, UKMFolio, for virtual learning spaces for the implementation of hybrid learning systems and flexible schedules.
Its vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Ekhwan Toriman in a statement today said UKM is gradually increasing the number of courses for its online distance learning (ODL), micro-credentials and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) across disciplines.
"The university will also upgrade the learning space facilities with digital transformation to suit diverse students in the future," he said.
"Apart from this, UKM has implemented a flexible learning programme through the Citra Science Programme at UKM's Citra Study Centre. This is the first programme offered in Malaysia with a flexible and cross-disciplinary curriculum,” he said.
He said through this programme, students will undergo two to three years of studies at the university to be followed by one to two years in the industry with a work-based learning component.
Mohd Ekhwan said flexible learning for specific fields was implemented for certain areas of concentration to replace conventional learning sessions that are face-to-face or practical sessions.
He said UKM also is offering 16 three-year study programmes.
"As recommended by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, UKM will continue the process of studying options to shorten the duration of the four-year study programmes to three years for programmes that have the potential to be offered in a modular and trimester mode,” he said.
Besides this, Mohd Ekhwan said the hybrid study system and flexi schedule can empower flexible and independent learning by students, additionally many students are more comfortable with this system because it facilitates management especially in terms of time and also finances.
"This system also represents one of the initiatives to raise the quality of the learning process by enabling students to have more flexibility in arranging their activities.
"Students will also have a bigger control over their lecture schedule through various modes of learning and interaction such as online, face-to-face or combined methods," he also said.
Earlier, Mohamed Khaled announced that the ministry will introduce a hybrid study system and flexible schedule, which means that students are only required to attend lectures in the village in the first and final years only.
Currently, a total of 95 Bachelor's degree programmes in 19 out of 20 public universities nationwide are ready to implement flexible learning starting from the 2023/2024 academic session. - BERNAMA
