Malaysia is set to enter a new phase of hybrid learning, where physical classes are seamlessly combined with online sessions, by means of a new technology from technology giant Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., implemented for the first time in the country at Multimedia University (MMU), one of Malaysia’s leading universities.
While hybrid learning has been extensively used in Malaysian schools and institutions due to the pandemic, their implementation has been quite rudimentary, with students online having a tendency to feel being left out, due to the limitations of equipments. With the new solution by Qualcomm Technologies, students in the classroom, as well as online, would be able to better follow the lessons and offer their thoughts to one another.
The implementation of HySpace and HyFlex will lead to higher immersion and enhancement of student attentiveness via flexibility and adaptability of teaching styles
Among the key equipment to this elevated level of involvement is a camera that could track the movement of lecturers as they move about the room, and a high definition central microphone that would enable online participants to hear everyone clearly. In comparison, current cameras are fixed, thus forcing lecturers to remain at a fixed point, usually at the front of the classroom. Current microphones being used are also mostly repurposed products, suitable for use only by individuals speaking in turns, not for high-fidelity pick-up of group conversations.
The system includes Qualcomm Technologies’ Education-as-a-Service (EaaS) technology, which is a part of their IoT-as-a-Service (IoTaaS) comprised of hardware and software to be used by MMU community. The university will deploy the hybrid learning spaces called HySpace and HyFlex, with 9 venues being used for the pilot project, with another 40 more venues planned to be deployed by 2023 in its Cyberjaya and Melaka campuses.
Mr Goh Thih Liang, Senior Director for Qualcomm Malaysia Sdn Bhd, who spoke at the launch of the system at MMU’s campus said “Qualcomm Technologies’ innovations have improved billions of lives and addressed some of the biggest challenges in society, and we are committed to providing solutions for digital transformation in the education sector in Malaysia. In our commitment to improve the hybrid learning system, we are excited to collaborate with MMU and hopefully, more universities will adopt the similar roll out in the near future.”
Representing MMU was Professor Dato’ Dr. Mazliham Mohd Su’ud, its President, who was just as enthusiastic about the introduction of the system.“The availability of Qualcomm Technologies’ system was just perfect for us at MMU, as it lined up perfectly with the digital platform aspect of our MMU PLUS U strategic plan. Through this implementation, we are seeking higher immersion and enhancement of student attentiveness and participation, by ensuring flexibility and adaptability in our teaching styles,” he said.
Prof. Mazliham explained that central to this approach is having a flexible learning space, for both mass lectures and smaller groups. The HySpace and HyFlex implementation would enable the university to meet its pedagogical requirements, even as it keeps up with the need to offer greater amounts of online teaching. HySpace is Hybrid Classroom Space for effective physical and virtual learning, while HyFlex is Hybrid and Flexible Learning Space is meant for 21st-century highly collaborative teaching and learning.
The launch of HySpace and HyFlex is in line with MMU’s role as the High-Tech Education Sandbox. Last year, MMU and Malaysian Global Innovation and Creativity Centre (MaGIC), the lead secretariat of the National Technology & Innovation Sandbox (NTIS) has collaborated to pave the way for MMU to focus on the solutions that can contribute to improving the effectiveness of teaching and learning pedagogies in hybrid-mode as well as preparing a highly competent and productive workforce with strong leadership and critical thinking hands-on technological skills.
“We are very excited, because, among other things, this approach would enable MMU to become more efficient and effective not just from a teaching and learning standpoints, but from operational and business ones as well,” he said.
