UNS – Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta has implemented online learning as an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The distance learning method is implemented since 16 March and will end on 30 April 2020 in line with the Rector Circular Number 13/UN27/SE/2020. In supporting the implementation of online learning, UNS provides a subsidy in the form of a 10GB internet package for all UNS students.
This is mentioned in Circular Number 17/UNS27/SE/2020 of 1 April concerning Internet Data Package Aid for Online Learning for Students in Diploma, Bachelor, Magister, and Doctoral Program of Universitas Sebelas Maret. The aid will be sent to the student’s phone number listed in the UNS Academic System. The internet package aid is a follow up of Minister of Education and Culture of Republic of Indonesia Circular Number 36962/MPK.A/HK/2020 of 17 March 2020 and Director General of Higher Education Ministry of Education and Culture Circular Number 302/E.E2/KR/2020 of 31 March 2020.
The rector of UNS, Prof. Jamal Wiwoho stated that the purpose of this aid is to support the online learning program.
“Since 16 March, UNS changed its learning program from direct classroom meeting into online learning duet to COVID-19 pandemic. The online learning system requires many facilities accessed through the internet. That is why we as the leaders in UNS initiate the importance of internet package aid or subsidy for the online learning process,” Rector UNS said to uns.ac.id on Saturday, (4/4/2020).
The 10 GB internet package will be transferred gradually starting on Monday. As of last night, at 20.20 West Indonesia Time, as many as 20,758 students had registered or updated their telephone numbers. Telephone number registration or update can be done in siakad.uns.ac.id website until 5 April 2020.
Prof. Jamal stated that the period of this aid will be adjusted to the development of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“According to a prediction, the COVID-19 outbreak will end in May. However, in case (the outbreak) does not end in May, the internet package aid will be extended to an undetermined date. When the pandemic is over, the learning process will return to the face-to-face system. We (will) adjust (it) to the situation,” he explained.
Prof. Jamal expects that the internet package aid can be used wisely by students for online learning processes such as accessing learning service. Currently, UNS has two online learning facilities; SPADA (Sistem Pembelajaran Daring-Online Learning System) and OCW (Open Course Ware).
“So, for example, it is only used to access online learning services such as Spada, OCW, Zoom, or other services, we and IT Team have calculated that 10 GB is quite lax to fulfill (student’s) need for a month,” concluded Prof. Jamal. Humas UNS/Bayu
