Jayapura. Distant learning over the Internet that has been developed with the standardized competence-based curriculum, is contributing to improvements in education quality, especially in universities in Papua, an expert says.<\/p>\n
\u201cE-learning, or online study, makes use of electronic technology that facilitates the students and instructors in communicating with each other in an atmosphere unencumbered by protocols like class schedules,\u201d Suaib Halim, a professor of informatics technology, said in Jayapura on Monday.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, the programs used in e-learning should be based on national education standards [or KBK],\u201d Suaib said.<\/p>\n
In Jayapura Science and Technology University (USTJ) where Suaib teaches, KBK-based e-learning had been developed using a local hosting server at the campus\u2019 data center unit. Suaib said the e-learning system was still a novelty and no standard guidelines for its implementation have yet been developed.<\/p>\n
E-learning can take many forms in making study and teaching easier. The teacher placing study material on the web server is the most common form of e-learning. Other communication tools such as forums and mailing lists can be added to this.<\/p>\n
An integrated e-learning system is more complex and involves establishing a portal containing various study objects enriched with multimedia applications and equipped with an academic information system, as well as online evaluation, communication and discussion tools.<\/p>\n
Suaib said e-learning was highly beneficial for both instructors and students.<\/p>\n
\u201cE-learning can be accessed anywhere and anytime through the Internet,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The program makes it possible to free up the learning process by providing all the teaching material on the Internet.<\/p>\n
Instructors can also communicate with their students outside the scheduled classes to assign projects and conduct tests, as well as to assess the student\u2019s performance.<\/p>\n
It is hoped that online learning method will motivate Papuan students and lecturers to use the Internet technology for a more effective learning process.<\/p>\n