UNS — The chairman of The Council of Rector of Indonesian State University (CRISU) and the Rector of Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta, Prof. Jamal Wiwoho, stated that online learning implemented since March 2020 is the best option to be taken during the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, the Rector also realizes that the online learning process has lower effectiveness than offline meetings (PTM). “UNS started its online learning in mid-March. At the beginning of the pandemic, there are many challenges,” Prof. Jamal stated in an interview with Kompas.com, Wednesday (4/8/2021). These challenges are the readiness for equipment and internet connection both from the teacher’s and student’s side to support the learning process.
Prof. Jamal also found that 50-55 years old teachers have difficulties implementing their learning program because of the lack of technological proficiency. Further, he stated that the laptop and internet connection compatibility also affect online learning success. “Teachers older than 50 years old often experiences difficulty because the materials need to be uploaded, and it needs to be interesting. If the material is not interesting, (student) will be bored, and students do not turn on their camera during the online learning session,” Prof. Jamal added.
Plan for PTM
Prof. Jamal mentioned again that the decision to hold an offline meeting or PTM is entirely under each university rector’s authority, supporting his statement on Thursday (25/3/2021). In the previous even semester, the government regulated the learning process through a Multi-Ministerial Decree signed by the Minister of Education and Culture (Mendikbud), Minister of Religious Affairs (Menag), Minister of Health (Menkes), and Minister of Internal Affairs (Mendagri).
“Rector coordinates with Covid-19 Taskforce to open (PTM), because each rector is actually ready,” he stated.
To start the PTM process, the principle of conditionality and the gradual process should be implemented to prevent the spread of Covid-19 infection on campus even though several students have been vaccinated. The conditionality means students must receive a permit from parents to participate in PTM, tested negative for Covid-19 through PCR test or swab antigen test, students are willing to join in PTM, and allowed by Covid-19 task force in the region. The gradual principle means PTM will be conducted in limited scheduled classes and periods.
Prof. Jamal explained that in one day, there would be only two courses for students. During the PTM, students will be grouped based on their student ID for the scheduling into the classroom. The time period for each course is also limited, with a maximum of 30 minutes for each semester credit (SKS). This means that courses with 3 SKS students will have 90 minutes meetings and 120 minutes meetings for 4 SKS courses. Humas UNS
Reporter: Yefta Christopherus AS
Editor: Dwi Hastuti
