LETTER: One main area that this pandemic is disrupting is higher education. The temporary closure of universities is causing challenges for teaching and learning.
Prior to the Covid-19 crisis, teaching and learning had been dependent on students' presence.
However, the closure of all academic institutions necessitates the development of virtual education platforms.
E-learning challenges include adaptability struggles, technical problems and technological issues.
To overcome these concerns, universities must identify digital tools that can accommodate teaching pedagogy and facilitate formative and summative assessments, while providing uninterrupted educational delivery to students. In moving online, no one must be left behind.
It is also a time to rethink of what was considered normal in the past. Instead of framing "excellence" in an exclusive context of achievement in publications, awards and rankings, universities should measure excellence by their capability to adapt to new situations.
There should be more engagement in networking and sharing of expert knowledge and facilities among universities.
Universities in Malaysia can and have contributed to the wellbeing of humankind, not only through academic research and innovation, but also through engagement with communities and frontliners.
Despite the obstacles, universities should continue to play these critical roles.
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
DR MAIZATUN MUSTAFA
INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
DR HAZIANTI ABDUL HALIM
UNIVERSITI PENDIDIKAN SULTAN IDRIS
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times