BANDUNG, itb.ac.id - In order to anticipate the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) has issued an online lecture policy both for lecturers and students since March 16, 2020. This is as stated in Circular Letter Number 506 / I1.B.05 / LL / 2020 concerning Lecture Activities and Practicum Protocols in the Anticipation Period for the Spread of Covid-19 in ITB.

In order to support the online lecture process, ITB collaborates with telecommunications providers including PT. XL Axiata, PT. Indosat Ooredoo, and PT. Telkomsel to provide free access to e-learning modules for ITB students. The plan will continue until the lectures at ITB return to normal in face-to-face meetings.

Director of Student Affairs Bandung Institute of Technology, Dr. G. Prasetyo Adhitama said, ITB welcomed the internet access assistance because it could support the online lecture process. "By using the sim cards of each provider, students can have free access to ITB e-learning," he explained to ITB Public Relations Reporter.

Prasetyo said, giving free access to online lecture modules can be enjoyed by all students who have a sim card according to the provider. Each provider also provides a different program, there are those that enforce free access for 30 days, there are also up to 60 days. It depends on the policy of each provider. But he hopes the provider can also provide full internet access for students. "I expect in this online lecture process that internet access (data package) for students can be applied more broadly, not only for ITB e-learning access, but also various other platforms such as Google Meet, Webex, etc since online lectures conducted by lecturers using those platforms,” he added.

Previously, ITB Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Dr. Ir. Jaka Sembiring, M. Eng., said that although lectures are implemented in online-based, it still should prioritize the learning outcomes. The application of the online lecture policy is based on the principle that students must continue to get their educational rights, and the academic process does not stop as could as possible even in the midst of situations anticipating the spread of COVID-19.

"Actually, there are already some lecturers who apply online. So the implementation is partly normal. It's just that at this time because it happened massively, so that lecturers are given creativity to give lectures without face to face by using the availability of technology that is important to achieve the learning outcomes," he explained.

Editor : Adi Permana

Translator : Salsabila Mayang