Indonesia
The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted Universitas Islam Malang (UNISMA) to adopt a series of tactical measures aimed at preventing the spread of coronavirus within and around its campus. Among these, the university implemented online dissertation proposal seminars (sempro) for its doctoral students. Over three consecutive days from Tuesday (7/4/2020) through Thursday (9/4/2020), six doctoral candidates participated in the first wave of online examinations.
UNISMA Rector Prof. Dr. H. Maskuri, M.Si., explained that under the circumstances of the COVID-19 outbreak, online examinations represent the best available option. The technical protocol requires a single panel session conducted via video conference, with no candidate permitted to sit the examination alone.
“Ideally, this type of examination should be held face-to-face. It carries more gravitas that way. But given the circumstances, it is simply not feasible, and this approach is ultimately about safeguarding everyone’s health,” Prof. Maskuri explained.
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As a consequence, he added, UNISMA has been compelled to strengthen coordination with its lecturers to ensure better preparation of teaching materials including a greater mastery of online learning systems, which he acknowledged entails considerably higher operational costs.
“Going forward, UNISMA will be better prepared to implement learning in the Industry 4.0 era. The curriculum will be stronger, lecturers more ready, and UNISMA better positioned to compete,” Prof. Maskuri pledged.
Meanwhile, UNISMA Postgraduate Director Prof. H. Mas’ud Said, MM., Ph.D., noted that the online method is practical and keeps both lecturers and students relatively safe from the threat of the coronavirus, though he acknowledged that certain challenges have been encountered in practice.
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“The main obstacle is signal access, as everything depends on a stable internet connection. But I am confident our students can manage, as the schedule has already been programed,” Prof. Mas’ud said.
One postgraduate student, Firmansyah, expressed appreciation for both the lecturers and the university administration, commending their swift response in preventing the spread of COVID-19 without disrupting the pre-scheduled examination timetable.
“I feel comfortable, because I can still interact directly with the examiners, even if it is through Zoom and they with me,” said the student, originally from Medan, North Sumatra.
Another seminar participant, KH. Sholahudin, also voiced support for the university’s policy. As a sufficiently representative institution, he argued, UNISMA is well placed to pioneer learning approaches adaptable to specific and extraordinary circumstances.
“Virtual learning should, by now, already be a familiar activity. The coronavirus is a calamity, but in one sense, it is also a blessing in disguise,” said the man, who also serves as Chairman of PCNU Lasem.
