ITB to Conduct Hybrid Learning Model Amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic

By Adi Permana

Editor Adi Permana

BANDUNG, itb.ac.id - Rector of the Insitut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) Prof. Reini Wirahadikusumah, Ph.D. instructed the preparation of hybrid learning. The instruction is a response to offline learning decisions by the Ministry of Education and Culture (Kemdikbud). Hybrid learning will be held as a pilot model for ITB's lecturing system adapting to the Covid-19 pandemic. Starting in March 2021, this learning model will last for about one month and will be implemented by several master’s programs at the Jatinangor Campus since March 2021.

One of the study programs, Master’s Program in Groundwater Engineering, is chosen to run hybrid learning for 5 students. Other master’s programs will also conduct this learning model, namely Clean Water and Sanitation Infrastructure Management (13 students), Metallurgical Engineering (16 students), and Landscape Architecture (8 students).

Hybrid learning lectures facilitate face-to-face meetings with lecturers and students in class with strict health protocols. Also, several supporting tools, such as washbasin, hand sanitizer, mask, and face shield are provided by ITB.

Several Covid-19 screenings will be followed by all of the students and lecturers to make sure that they are not infected by the virus. ITB will provide the PCR swab test in collaboration with the Padjadjaran University Clinic (Unpad). The classes also provide live broadcast videos for students who can not attend the classes for special reasons.

The Deputy Dean of Graduate School for Academic, Student Affairs, Prof. Dr. mont. M. Zaki Mubarok, S.T., M.T. argues that the implementation of hybrid learning is an important move for ITB after a full-time of running online lectures.

"The implementation of the hybrid learning model idea can be carried out well with the collaboration between the ITB Graduate School, the Directorate of Education, ITB Jatinangor Campus, and all lecturers from the faculties involved," said Prof. Zaki. He hopes that the implementation of hybrid lectures will raise enthusiasm and excitement for students.

Reporter: Reporter: Zahra Annisa Fitri (Urban and Regional Planning, 2019)

Translator: Billy Akbar Prabowo (Metallurgical Engineering 2020)