UNAIR NEWS – Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) continues to hold international collaborations with its partners. This time, Airlangga Global Engagement (AGE) with World University Association for Community Development (WUACD) held an international webinar, Conducting Enjoyable Virtual Classes, on Thursday, January 28, 2021. It was conducted in collaboration with Daffodil International University, Bangladesh and presented three speakers.
On the first occasion, UNAIR Vice Director for Academic Affairs Yuni Sari Amalia delivered a material related to strategies for students in facing virtual classes. Yuni revealed that one of the main problems in e-learning is the low focus and attention of students towards the class.
“Therefore, students really need hydration, variety, exercise, and recovery between virtual classes so that their attention and focus can be formed. Here then the role of brain breaks becomes very important,” explained the graduate of University of Illinois.
Yuni also gave some examples of stretching movements and simple activities that are believed could improve physical performance and student focus in participating in virtual classes. This activity is specifically aimed at optimizing the physical and psychological health of students who spend a lot of time in front of the screen.
Meanwhile, Director of Students Affairs and Head, Daffodil International University Syed Mizanur Rahman enthusiastically conveyed the strategy of holding fun virtual classes, especially for children.
According to him, virtual classes for children will not be effective if teachers only deliver material without other innovations. “In delivering material, we must maintain interaction and use living things, materials, and performances. Deliver the material as interestingly as possible followed by entertainment that can attract their attention, “he added.
On the last occasion, Deputy Director of Human Resources Development Institute, Ejaj-Ur-Rahman, shared material related to gamification. Gamification is a strategy that uses various activities and rewards to encourage closeness with students.
“Through gamification, teachers can design a variety of learning involving games that will encourage participation of students to join and think together in a virtual classroom,” said the senior lecturer at Daffodil International University.
In the international webinar via Zoom Meeting, participants were invited to play together online through the Kahoot application. From the webinar which was attended by more than 140 participants, both teachers and instructors are expected to be able to implement and formulate appropriate virtual classroom learning strategies. (*)
Author: Intang Arifia
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia
