NUMed takes the lead in confronting the learning and teaching problem that has plagued educators since the start of Covid-19.
COLLEGES and universities globally are transitioning into new educational territory due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
While the initial frenzy of switching from in-person to remote learning – dubbed the emergency remote teaching (ERT) crisis – has subsided for higher education institutions, the process is far from over.
Students and educators must continue to learn and teach as much as possible without the immediate interpersonal communication and in-person learning setting, not to mention acclimatising to the energy of a home while working.
With this abrupt change from lecture halls to the online universe, some are wondering whether the acceptance of online learning will sustain post-pandemic and how such a shift will affect the global education system.
Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed) will be coordinating a masterclass tackling this issue, titled ‘Transforming Higher Education through Technology-Enhanced Learning’.
This is part of their efforts to highlight the learning and teaching problem that has plagued educators and students in higher education since the beginning of the pandemic.
As part of its Forward NUMed initiative, the institution has hosted a number of masterclasses and webinars on current healthcare issues and medical education.
NUMed aims to pave the way for a brighter future of healthcare, while also educating the public on pertinent matters concerning education and mental health.
NUMed chief executive officer and provost Prof Chris Baldwin places emphasis on innovation in teaching in line with the digital era as it shows versatility in teaching and learning.
"Technology has the ability to transform traditional teaching and learning methods. It has the potential to foster dynamic teaching and learning, hence significantly increases access to lifelong learning,” he said, adding that adaptation is important for improving and advancing the teaching and learning process.
He further said that the power of technology to transmit massive amounts of information across networks improves the possibility of tailoring educational programmes to the unique needs of each learner.
“With the utilisation of technology, educators can better align their teaching tactics and assignments with the interests and needs of their students in their classes if they have more time to interact and get to know them,” he said.
The masterclass will present findings and trends to watch for in higher education post-pandemic, as well as to discuss the importance of striving toward a proper balance in teaching, learning and technology.
The upcoming masterclass will present recent findings and trends to watch for in the higher education sector post-pandemic.
There would also be discussion on the importance of striving toward a proper balance in teaching, learning and technology integration to achieve learning goals.
The event will be led by three expert educators from their related disciplines.
For the first session of the event, NUMed’s senior lecturer Dr Bhavani Veasuvalingam will be discussing ‘Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) Tools in Higher Educational Teaching and Learning’.
Meanwhile, Universiti Sains Malaysia Head Department of Medical Education (School of Medical Sciences) Associate Prof Dr Muhamad Saiful Bahri Yusoff will speak on ‘Post-Pandemic Challenges - Humanising Technology in Higher Education’.
This will be followed by NUMed Dean of Academic Affairs, Dr Paul Hubbard, concluding the event with his presentation on ‘Using Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) in Higher Education - How to Strike the Right Balance?’
Fellow educators who would like to become a leader in enhancing classrooms through technology are encouraged to take this masterclass. Students coping with online learning education can also attend to learn more.
Take advantage of this opportunity to participate in the Forward NUMed masterclass. To register, visit forwardnumed.newcastle.edu.my.
