"Preparation to re-open the campus has been ongoing since last year, beginning with the implementation of a hybrid lecture in Jatinangor," he said at the bosscha observatory on Thursday (2/9/2021). Unfortunately, Prof. Jaka reported that the national-scale lockdown policy was implemented after 10 days of the hybrid lecture trial, and therefore the implementation was canceled.

He added that the National Research and Innovation Agency has provided a guideline regarding hybrid classes that can be implemented immediately alongside the provisions by the local government. "We will not re-open the campus hurriedly, let alone with thousands of students and lecturers. It will be done gradually and carefully," he elaborated. He also stated that students who are completing their thesis or dissertation have already had access to the campus.

Since it is impracticable to foster face-to-face classes for every course, ITB has begun collecting data on courses or activities that have to be prioritized. Since practicums, studios, and field lectures require experience-based learning, these activities are on the priority list to be conducted offline soon.

"We recommend one course for each class and study program. At the very least, that's what we advise." Meanwhile, according to Prof. Jaka, hybrid classes will be conducted after the Midterm Examination by only providing 30% of full capacity.

Furthermore, he stated that the ITB had conducted a survey, which revealed that more than 70% of the approximately 25,000 ITB students had completed both second doses of vaccinations. This data was then used as a guide and consideration material for the commencement of face-to-face academic activities on campus, as well as parental/guardian approval.

"We intend to conduct one to two practicum courses for first-year students that can be implemented offline in the form of campus tours," he said. This condition is undoubtedly dynamic, depending on the situation and conditions that arise, and students and lecturers are expected to be aware of the situation.

Practicum Session Evaluation

Prof. Jaka has also been inquired about the best methods of online practicum sessions since they cannot be carried out directly in the laboratory. This question was then answered by WRAM, who provided guidelines, and the implementation depends on the lecturer who is in charge of the course.

In the long run, Prof. Jaka Sembiring urged the academic community to acknowledge that it would be difficult to tell the difference between virtual and real in the future. "In the future, practicums based on experience learning must be also supported by virtual learning."

As a result, ITB gradually facilitates each study program to begin developing virtual learning modules, as it will become the new norm in the academic world.

Reporter: Zahra Annisa Fitri (Regional and City Planning, 2019)
Translator: Naffisa Adyan (Oceanography, 2019)