UMK REVIEWS USM’S BEST PRACTICES IN ODL
Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) reviewed Universiti Sains Malaysia’s (USM) best practices in the implementation of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and academic quality assurance during a visit by its delegation to the School of Distance Education (PPPJJ) here today.
The visit served as a strategic platform for both institutions to share experiences, knowledge and expertise, particularly in academic quality management, ODL implementation and distance education management.
The UMK delegation was led by Director of the Centre for University Quality Management (PPQ), Associate Professor Dr. Norrimi Rosaida Awang, accompanied by Deputy Director of Academic Quality Assurance, PPQ, Dr. Mohamad Shahfik Afendi Abdul Ghani, and Head of the Open and Distance Learning Division, Ts. Dr. Teo Pao Ter.
The delegation was received by the Dean of PPPJJ, Associate Professor Dr. Zulnaidi Yaacob; Deputy Dean (Academic, Career and International), Dr. Nik Norliati Fitri Md Nor; Deputy Dean (Support and Technology), Dr. Chua Hang Kuen; and Deputy Registrar of PPPJJ, Mohd Rashid Abdul Rejab.
Zulnaidi said the visit not only provided an avenue for both institutions to share best practices, but also an opportunity to discuss approaches and strategies to ensure that ODL implementation continues to meet the current demands and needs of higher education.
“Sharing experiences and expertise such as this is important as the implementation of open and distance education requires approaches that remain responsive to technological changes and evolving learning needs. Through these discussions and exchanges of views, we can learn from each other’s approaches, particularly in academic quality assurance, while identifying potential areas of collaboration that can be explored in the future,” he said.
He added that PPPJJ USM also expressed its appreciation for the visit by the UMK delegation and hoped that the relationship established between the two institutions could be further strengthened through the sharing of knowledge and expertise, as well as the implementation of collaborative initiatives in the future.
“This visit also reflects the commitment of both institutions towards strengthening the quality of higher education and advancing ODL as a relevant, flexible and responsive educational approach that addresses present and future learning needs,” he added. The discussions also provided an opportunity for both parties to exchange views on various approaches, challenges and strategies to ensure that ODL implementation remains of high quality, flexible and responsive to students’ needs. In addition to sharing experiences and expertise, the visit also opened up opportunities to explore potential collaboration and strategic networking between UMK and USM in other areas of distance education, academic quality assurance and development of technology-based education.