“This 100% hybrid lecture plan was not actually due to the pandemic, instead it is part of our movement towards the ITB Academic 4.0,” Prof. Jaka stated on the show ITB Talks, Thursday, March 31, 2022.

Prof. Jaka explained that for the execution of this plan, the lecturers will be present in class while the number of students physically attending will vary in accordance with the COVID-19 situation. These efforts need to be carried out to maintain and strengthen the academic atmosphere in ITB.

According to Prof. Jaka, the academic atmosphere in ITB should not be affected by the pandemic. With that being the case, ITB’s academic system should be able to adapt to dynamic conditions; dynamic from the implementation aspect, teaching method, schedule, room availability, etc., all while maintaining the graduate learning outcome target in agreement with the curriculum mandate.

However, he explained further that there are challenges in implementing 100 percent hybrid college activities, the first one in terms of the internet network which must be fast and reliable in all areas of the three ITB campuses (Ganesha, Jatinangor, and Cirebon). The second challenge is related to the Learning Management System (LMS) Edunex, as it has to be reliable and easily accessible anywhere. “Both of these are mandatory and cannot be postponed,” Prof. Jaka said.

The next obstacle is the existence of co-working space areas. These areas are for students who want to work together in a comfortable workspace. Prof. Jaka expressed his gratitude to the faculties/schools in ITB that have provided many co-working space areas, thus allowing students to do their work comfortably on campus. “Another thing we plan to do in the long term are open innovation laboratories concepts that are resource sharing culture types,” he stated.

Reporter: Adi Permana
Translator: Hanna Daniela Ayu