As restrictions have been imposed in different parts of the world due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and the risk of transmission remains high, many students are undecided whether they should travel abroad for higher education.
In Malaysia, institutions of higher learning, both public and private, will only be allowed to resume face-to-face teaching in October.
However, thanks to advancements in technology, there are many options available on the internet for students to make good use of their free time and develop skills.
One of the most popular ways for students to achieve professional development is via online learning platforms.
Malaysia: Coursera, a platform that provides online courses, ranging from the arts and humanities to physical science and engineering, is offering students a seven-day free trial before they decide whether or not they wish to pursue a course to receive a professional certificate.
Harvard University is also offering free short-term courses that take four to 12 weeks to complete.
Students can audit the full course for free on EdX within a limited time period, or pay a small fee for a verified certificate.
By committing five to 10 hours a week, students can develop their professional knowledge in fields such as data science, programming, the humanities, social sciences and more.
Other than online learning platforms, students can opt for short-term courses directly from institutions of higher learning.
Students who are enrolled in a university can easily get information on what is available via email sent directly to them by the university or on the websites of the institutions.
Indonesia: ITS Surabaya-Indonesia is organising its first CommTECH 2020 online edition.
It offers university students, academics and professionals the opportunity to learn about community and global issues through insightful and fun virtual activities.
The courses are interesting and include Smart City Applications during the Pandemic and Zero Waste Stores.
Thailand: Mahidol University, Thailand, is also organising a virtual summer programme named Sawasdee Thailand.
Participants can gain a better understanding of Thailand and its culture, and get some international exposure, in the comfort of their home.
In some cases, where the organising institution has established partnerships with the home institution, students can transfer the credits earned to their current study programme.
In addition to short courses, many institutions are offering virtual exchange programmes. Students can enrol in a semester of virtual exchange at receiving institutions.
Japan: Kansai Gaidai University, Japan, is an example. In order to accommodate exchange students who are unable to travel to its campus, Kansai Gaidai is offering an online Asian Studies programme for this year’s fall semester.
It includes all levels of Japanese language courses and 20 selected courses focusing on Japan and Asia.
These virtual programmes allow students who are unable to continue their studies abroad to gain a deeper understanding of a foreign culture and establish international connections. Virtual exchanges are also much more affordable.
Most universities are also organising online events, workshops and webinars for students. They cover topics, ranging from psychotherapy to data analysis. Many are free for students and offer certificates of participation.
Time to gain hard skills via online resources
Students are also encouraged to gain hard skills, such as adaptability, in Microsoft Office, Adobe Illustrator and WordPress via informal learning. With the emergence of e-commerce in the 21st century, these skills have become more important than ever.
Microsoft offers free Excel training on its website. Arguably the most important computer program in the workplace, knowing the basics of Microsoft Excel will boost one’s employability and career prospects.
With limited mobility, students can teach themselves the basics, gradually moving up to complex functions through free online resources.
The demand for videographers and graphic designers is also on the rise. According to Recruiter.com, it is estimated that the number of people needed in film and video editing will grow by 5.44% annually.
Students who are now staying at home can learn basic video editing or designing using applications such as Filmora and Adobe Illustrator. With many tutorials available on YouTube, students should find it easy to master these skills in no time.
Students are blessed with the many resources available to them today. But despite the drastic changes in how people are learning, one thing remains the same – successful learning depends on motivation and self-discipline.
Afterschool.my provides information on higher education including courses, institutions, scholarships, careers as well as other higher education related topics in Malaysia.
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