Taylor’s prepares a better hybrid learning experience for students

After a long wait, MOHE has announced that students from six categories will be able to resume physical classes in October. Since the start of the pandemic last year, Taylor’s University has been offering classes mainly online.

To control the population on campus, the university also encourages lecturers and students to return to campus only when practical or clinical classes need to be held. Philip Gan, Programme Director of Bachelor of Mass Communication says, “Although the campus is reopened, students can decide for themselves if they want to return to campus. Some lecturers are making it compulsory for practical modules to return to campus but not all. "

Students interacting in a hybrid learning environment (Source © blog.zoom.us)

‘Hybrid learning’, not to be confused with ‘blended learning’, is an educational model where some students attend class in-person, while others join the class virtually from home.

Lecturers teach remote and in- person students at the same time using tools like video conferencing hardware and software.

In some cases, hybrid classes include asynchronous learning elements, like online exercises and pre-recorded video instruction, to support face-to-face classroom sessions. These planned hybrid courses combine the best aspects of in- person and online learning while making education more attainable for many students.

For the convenience of lecturers and students, laser projectors in lecture theatres and classrooms have been upgraded to quality and wireless presenting technology. The university has also invested in improving their IT infrastructure such as expanding the TIMeS server capacity to boost the app server, database, server storage, upgrading the REWIND platform and the bandwidth for faster connectivity to accommodate campus hosted services. More self-serving options and online materials have also been added in the library for the convenience of all students.

Hati Jelita, a Taylor’s student, stated, “I feel secure knowing the university’s efforts to improve our learning experience and I find that online learning is better and more convenient for me.”

Another Taylor’s student, Mark Lai, also said, “ Despite the vaccination rate, it’s still unsafe to attend physical class so I prefer online learning.”

To support the needs of the students, Taylor’s have also prepared a broad spectrum of virtual student services such as funding career services and online sources, which includes career advising, internship support, a pre-internship workshop, virtual career fairs and webinars and the SEEDS Portal. Students can also request mental health support from the university’s counsellors through virtual events and online guidance.