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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Parliamentary panel to summon airline executives, regulator over flight disruptions
New Delhi (PTI): A parliamentary panel is likely to summon top executives of private airlines and the civil aviation regulator over the mass cancellation of IndiGo flights that has left thousands of travellers stranded across the country's airports.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture, chaired by JD(U) leader Sanjay Jha, is likely to seek an explanation from top executives of airlines and officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation about the cause of disruption in air services and possible solutions.
A member said the panel has taken serious note of the difficulties faced by thousands of passengers due to disruption in air services.
Even parliamentarians, who were in the national capital for the Winter Session, faced the brunt of flight cancellations by IndiGo and delays by other airlines, the panel member said.
Several MPs also received complaints from people about air fares shooting up due to the scenario.
Meanwhile, CPI(M) Rajya Sabha member John Brittas, who is not part of the standing committee on transport, has demanded setting up of a joint parliamentary committee or a judicial inquiry into the large-scale disruption of flights.
IndiGo cancelled more than 220 flights at Delhi and Mumbai airports on Sunday, as the disruptions entered the sixth day even as efforts were on to normalise operations.
The aviation regulator, DGCA, on Saturday sent notices to IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers and COO and Accountable Manager Porqueras, seeking explanation.
In a statement issued on Sunday, IndiGo said the Board of Interglobe Aviation, its parent company, has set up a Crisis Management Group, which is meeting regularly to monitor the situation. The company's Board of Directors is doing everything possible to take care of the challenges faced by its customers and ensure refunds to passengers, it said.
