Gulf Medical University ensures uninterrupted academic session during COVID-19 precautionary period
Surpasses Standard Learning Practices and Launches Distance E-Learning
►Faculty-learner engagement and continuous learner feedback are key to successful implementation of distance e-learning, says GMU Chancellor
►‘Blended learning’ combining the best of traditional and e-learning methodologies to become part of GMU’s standard educational methodology, in future
Ajman: Gulf Medical University (GMU), Ajman, is using the COVID-19 precautionary period as an opportunity to evolve beyond standard learning practices, by implementing advanced e-learning capabilities.
Commenting on the University’s preparations and preparedness for e-learning, Prof. Hossam Hamdy, the Chancellor of GMU said, “For the successful implementation of e-learning, two important issues need to be addressed; an increased degree of engagement between the faculty and the learners, and the provision for giving continuous feedback to the learner and responding quickly to their queries. We are already in communications with the students of all colleges and programs, explaining the new learning process. We have produced guides for students and teachers, to ensure seamless progression on this path, incorporating multiple layers of activities and feedback and good learning resources. Or students are provided with continuous support.”
The university conducted a workshop to train its faculty with the skills to use different types of e-learning technologies – synchronous (faculty and students connected to the teaching channel at the same time) and asynchronous (students learning independently from resources uploaded online) – to ensure seamless learning for students of the 6 colleges under GMU, pursuing 26 different programs.
GMU already has an electronic learning management system, through which the students access the content of each learning event, electronically. However, the addition of the new distance e-learning features significantly enhances the university’s electronic learning capabilities, taking it to a whole new level of technology-enabled learning. “Simply uploading the lessons/course online using a technology platform is not e-learning, per se. What is delivered to the students using technology, and how effectively it enriches their learning process, are the key aspects. At GMU, our focus is on enabling ‘good learning’ regardless of whether it is imparted through the distance mode or in campus,” Prof. Hossam Hamdy explained.
Indicating that this new initiative would pave the way for the inclusion of a new ‘blended’ mode of learning in GMU, combining the best attributes of traditional and e-learning methodologies, Prof. Hossam Hamdy added, “This is an example of how an unfortunate event like the Coronovirus outbreak has the power to shift standard practices, bringing forth a heightened ability to think and act, creating a new and better way of doing things.”
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Pakistan reports two more polio cases; Total tally now 52
ISLAMABAD: At least two more cases of poliovirus were reported in Pakistan, taking the number of infections to 52 so far this year, a report said on Friday.
“The Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health has confirmed the detection of two more wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) cases in Pakistan," an official statement said.
The fresh infections — a boy and a girl — were reported from the Dera Ismail Khan district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province.
“Genetic sequencing of the samples collected from the children is underway," the statement read. Dera Ismail Khan, one of the seven polio-endemic districts of southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, has reported five polio cases so far this year.
Of the 52 cases in the country this year, 24 are from Balochistan, 13 from Sindh, 13 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and one each from Punjab and Islamabad.
There is no cure for polio. Only multiple doses of the oral polio vaccine and completion of the routine vaccination schedule for all children under the age of five can keep them protected.
