Education | Buletin Samarahan

Poster Ceramah Kerjaya - Sumber daripada Fakulti Bahasa dan Komunikasi PPD1041

KOTA SAMARAHAN: Ceramah kerjaya ini telah dijalankan dengan anjuran bersama Fakulti Bahasa dan Komunikasi melalui perjumpaan webex pada 9 Disember 2020. Forum ini diadakan untuk tujuan mendengar perkongsian dari ahli panel yang hadir berkaitan dengan kejayaan dalam kehidupan dan cabaran yang dihadapi ketika musim pandemik COVID-19 ini.

Turut hadir dalam pemberian ceramah ini adalah Tangaprabu Murthy, graduan daripada Sarjana Seni dalam Linguistik tahun 2017, yang kini merupakan seorang Edupreneur dan penulis, Jacqueline Siaw Chin Chin, juga seorang graduan daripada Sarjana Seni dalam Linguistik tahun 2017 dan kini bekerja sebagai penganalisis penyelidikan dan juga Nur Atieqah Ruslim, graduan daripada Sarjana Sains Sosial Kajian Komunikasi tahun 2018, bekerjaya sebagai penyelaras Hackathon.

Tangaprabu merupakan seorang usahawan yang telah memperusahakan perkhidmatan mencuci kereta dan membuka sebuah pusat tuisyen yang kini telah mempunyai 3 cawangan di Perak selepas beliau menamatkan pengajiannya. Beliau juga pernah menerbitkan beberapa buah buku di Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, Sinar Harian dan Mingguan Malaysia.

Menurutnya, kejayaan ini berjaya dicapai olehnya kerana beliau tidak mengehadkan dirinya dengan kerjaya pada masa hadapan walaupun beliau mempunyai Ijazah Sarjana Muda dalam bidang linguistik. Tangaprabu pada permulaannya tidak mempunyai pengetahuan dalam bidang keusahawanan, namun beliau mula belajar bagaimana untuk memasarkan dan menjenamakan pusat tuisyen.

Melalui kejayaan yang telah dicapai, beliau sentiasa memikirkan sesuatu yang berbeza dari yang lain dan memberi motivasi pada dirinya untuk selalu bersedia untuk menghadapi cabaran yang akan datang. Sepanjang pandemik ini, beliau tetap terus menjalankan kelas secara atas talian. Menurut Tangaprabu, minat merupakan perkara yang penting di masa hadapan, tetapi memikirkan cara untuk meneruskan kehidupan jauh lebih berguna untuk kelangsungan hidup.

Menurut perkongsian Jacqueline yang bekerja sebagai penganalisis penyelidikan, pekerjaan ini adalah pekerjaan yang memerlukan beliau dalam memberikan maklumat kepada pelanggan dari aspek ekonomi dan politik. Antaranya, beliau telah mengekstrak berita daripada Kanada dan bekerja dengan pelanggan daripada Jerman dalam bidang automatif.

Tambahnya lagi, oleh kerana pademik ini, antara cabaran beliau adalah keperluan dalam berurusan dengan para pelanggan secara atas talian. Beliau juga menasihati untuk sentiasa bersedia dalam situasi apa pun dengan meminta pertolongan atau pendapat orang lain sebelum membuat kesimpulan.

Ahli panel yang terakhir, iaitu Nur Atiqah merupakan seorang pengurus media sosial dan juga penyelaras bagi Hackathon yang dianjurkan oleh syarikat beliau. Beliau juga turut melakukan perkhidmatan salinan penulisan sebagai agensi kreaktif yang menyediakan kandungan bagi para pelanggannya. Kemahiran insaniah yang dipratikkan oleh beliau untuk mencapai kejayaan ini adalah dengan membuktikan kemampuan dan semangat dari awal sebagai seorang “freelancer” atau pekerja bebas demi mengasah kemahiran.

Bagi pendapatnya, pelajar kini perlu mengasah kemahiran digital kerana pada masa kini, mereka secara tidak langsung melibatkan diri secara atas talian. Ketika pandemik ini, kerjaya ini turut memberi kesan kepada beliau kerana beliau perlu lebih kreatif dengan mengadakan perjumpaan secara maya mengenai program Hackathon.

Beliau juga berpendapat untuk sentiasa bersedia ketika bertemu dengan orang-orang di dunia luar. Oleh itu, untuk berjaya di bahagian mudah dalam dunia pekerjaan, kita mestilah mengharungi bahagian yang lebih sukar terlebih dahulu dan menjadikannya sebagai satu cabaran.

Melalui perbincangan antara ketiga-tiga ahli panel ini, telah menunjukkan bahawa cabaran yang dihadapi adalah satu perkara yang tidak asing lagi dalam kehidupan setiap orang.

Kehidupan Selepas Tamat Pengajian dan Cabaran Semasa COVID-19

Oleh Amyliana Endi Anak Jawa

BAHASA NEWS

Melaka: Yang Berbahagia Datuk Seri Dr. Noraini Ahmad, Menteri Pendidikan Tinggi telah menyempurnakan Majlis Pelancaran Sinergi SULAM (Service Learning Malaysia University for Society) bertempat di Dewan Za’ba pada 22 Disember yang lepas.

SULAM merupakan inisiatif Kementerian Pendidikan Tinggi (KPT) yang menghubungkan objektif pembelajaran dengan khidmat komuniti. Pelancaran ini menyaksikan tiga inisiatif SULAM iaitu SULAM-Net, e-SULAM Innovate 2021 serta Portal SULAM.

YB Dr. Noraini berkata bahawa sinergi ini bermatlamat untuk menghubungkaitkan teori dan praktis dalam mengimbas kembali pelaksanaan aktiviti berasaskan komuniti di Institusi Pengajian Tinggi (IPT) yang telah bermula sekitar 2019.

“Platform ini memberikan peluang kepada komuniti untuk mengenali dan bekerjasama dengan pelbagai pihak dalam merancang aktiviti yang berstruktur dan mampat bagi meningkatkan sosioekonomi mereka,” katanya lagi.

Pendekatan SULAM berimpak tinggi bermula dengan projek Pembangunan Komuniti Eko Warisan Pelancongan di Pulau Tanjung Surat, Kota Tinggi.

“Terdapat banyak lagi projek SULAM yang lain yang telah dilaksanakan di peringkat IPT, antaranya ialah Program Komuniti Budaya dan Etnik Bidayuh Borneo oleh Pelajar Fakulti Sains Komputer dan Teknologi (FSKT), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak ataupun (UNIMAS), Projek Pengurusan Kesihatan Ikan Siakap oleh pelajar Fakulti Perubatan Veterina (FPV), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) dan yang ketiga Projek Pemerkasaan Solok Sengkuang Cabin D’Village, Kampung Batang Nyamor, Negeri Sembilan oleh pelajar Fakulti Pengurusan Hotel dan pelancongan Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM),” kata beliau.

Beliau juga menyeru agar semua pihak mengambil peluang yang telah disediakan ini bagi mewujudkan satu kolaborasi antara IPT, industri, agensi kerajaan dan komuniti demi kesejahteraan setempat.

“Malah pelajar berpeluang mengetengahkan projek SULAM dalam talian yang berimpak tinggi secara lebih kreatif dan inovatif pada waktu yang sama mereka boleh melengkapkan kursus yang berkaitan dan menyumbang kepada komuniti,” tambah beliau.

Inisiatif SULAM: Universiti untuk Masyarakat

Oleh: Siti Nur Amira binti S.Zainal Abidin Shah

Poster Perkhidmatan Sokongan Psikologi Dalam Norma Baharu

bersama Encik Edris Bin Aden - Sumber dariapada UNIMAS

KOTA SAMARAHAN: Pagi ini telah berlangsung bicara santai Perkhidmatan Sokongan Kaunseling Dalam Norma Baharu Secara Digital bersama tetamu jemputan, Encik Edris bin Aden selaku Pensyarah Program Kaunseling, Fakulti Sains Kognitif dan Pembangunan Manusia, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS).

Menerusi bicara santai yang disiarkan secara langsung menerusi platfom atas talian Webex Meeting dan FB Live itu, Edris menegaskan bahawa perlunya menyediakan perkhidmatan kauseling dalam bentuk yang pelbagai bagi memenuhi keadaan semasa pada masa kini terutama ketika berhadapan dengan pandemik COVID-19.

Usul demikian turut dipersetujui oleh barisan panel yang juga merupakan tenaga pengajar dan ahli kauselor yang berpengalaman. Dalam sesi soal jawab bicara santai ini, Sabtuyah, selaku Ketua Pegawai Psikologi Kaunselor Berdaftar, Perakuan Amalan (KBPA), meluahkan bahawa beliau berhadapan kekangan dan cabaran akibat keadaan semasa yang tidak mengizinkan beliau menyediakan perkhidmatan kauseling secara bersemuka bersama klien.

Hal ini sekaligus bukan hanya menjejaskan keberkesanan perkhidmatan dan komunikasi, malah mampu mewujudkan kesalahfahaman di antara klien dan kaunselor. Mendengar kekangan tersebut, Idris menyuarakan penyelesaian agar khidmat kaunseling dilakukan ketika keadaan diyakini kondusif misalnya ketika talian stabil dan disarankan bersemuka seperti panggilan video agar emosi antara klien dengan
kaunselor dapat disampaikan dan difahami dengan lebih baik berbanding penulisan seperti e-mail.

Bagi memenuhi kehendak dan menyediakan perkhidmatan kauseling secara berterusan ketika pandemik COVID-19, Unit Kauseling & Kerjaya Unimas (UniK@UNIMAS) sentiasa siap untuk dicapai melalui halaman Facebook UniK@UNIMAS atau Instagram UniK_unimas.

Bicara Santai Perkhidmatan Sokongan Kaunseling

Dalam Norma Baharu Secara Digital

Oleh : Normafitry Binti Normal

Bekas pelajar Konvoskesyen UNIMAS - Sumber gambar daripada UNIMAS

KUCHING: Majlis Konvoskesyen Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) 2020 terpaksa ditangguhkan ekoran pandemik COVID-19 yang masih lagi melanda negeri bumi kenyalang ini.

Menurut Nina Anak Danchechand @ Edward Duncan, 24 tahun yang merupakan salah seorang pelajar Fakullti Seni Gunaan Kreaktif mengatakan bahawa beliau begitu kecewa kerana tidak dapat meraikan kejayaan sendiri setelah tamat pengajian akibat pandemik COVID-19 dimana majlis konvokesyen tersebut telah dianjakkan kepada tarikh baharu yang akan dimaklumkan kelak.

Tambahnya, beliau juga tidak bersetuju sekiranya majlis konvokesyen dilakukan secara atas talian. Para graduan akan berasa tidak puas hati dalam pelbagai aspek terutamanya terpaksa menanggung kerugian kerana telah membuat pembayaran yuran bagi majlis konvokesyen.

Selain itu, beliau juga telah melakukan persiapan yang secukupnya seperti merancang tempat penginapan, menyediakan pakaian yang sedondon, dan mengatur perbelanjaan untuk menghadiri majlis konvokesyen di DeTar UNIMAS dari dulu lagi iaitu sebelum pandemik
COVID-19 ini melanda negara.

“Saya juga telah bersiap sedia dengan alam pekerjaan yang bakal diharungi selepas tamat pengajian terutama pada musim pandemik COVID-19 yang begitu mencabar ini, jadi saya mengharapkan agar pihak UNIMAS dapat menyediakan cara yang produktif untuk memastikan majlis konvokesyen akan tetap dijalankan dengan mengikut SOP yang telah ditetapkan pihak kerajaan” jelasnya lagi.

Seorang lagi pelajar yang terkesan iaitu Alicea Reshca Anak Seblie, 23 tahun iaitu pelajar Falkulti Seni Gunaan kreaktif meletakkan harapan yang tinggi kepada pihak UNIMAS untuk menyediakan keadah yang efektif seperti mengadakan sesi konvokesyen secara atas talian demi
menjaga keselamatan para graduan daripada dijangkiti virus COVID-19.

Nina Anak Danchechand, 24 Tahun,
Bekas Pelajar FSGK UNIMAS

Alicea Reshca, 23 Tahun
Bekas Pelajar FSGK UNIMAS

Majlis Konvoskesyen ketika Pandemik Tertangguh?

Oleh Amyliana Endi Anak Jawa

YBhg. Dato' Hj. Pkharuddin Bin Hj. Ghazali, Pengarah Peperiksaan menyampaikan perbahasan bertajuk Pelaksanaan Peperiksaan dan Pentaksiran Ketika Covid-19 pada 30 Disember lalu

di Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) Kuala Lumpur - Sumber gambar Astro Awani

KUALA LUMPUR: YBhg. Dato' Hj. Pkharuddin Bin Hj. Ghazali, Pengarah Peperiksaan, Lembaga Peperiksaan Malaysia, telah menyampaikan perbahasan bertajuk Pelaksanaan Peperiksaan dan Pentaksiran Ketika Covid-19 dalam Agenda Awani pada 30 Disember di Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) Kuala Lumpur.

Lembaga Peperiksaan akan memastikan peperiksaan Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) 2020 ini dilaksanakan pada 22 Februari hingga 25 Mac 2021. Menurut Dato’ Pkharuddin, peperiksaan SPM merupakan peringkat pensijilan yang tidak boleh diulang sentiasa. Ia penting untuk diguna pakai dalam kemasukan ke universiti, memohon biasiswa serta mendapatkan pekerjaan.

Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia (KPM) telah mengeluarkan satu garis panduan mengenai pengurusan dan pengoperasian sekolah dalam norma baharu. “Dalam itu ada garis panduan pentaksiran pusat dan peperiksaan awam yang kita sudah bincangkan dan perhalusi langkah-langkah yang perlu dipatuhi,” ujar beliau dalam mengulas garis panduan KPM.

Beliau juga berkata bahawa pihak KPM bersedia mencari kaedah dalam menangani sebarang kemungkinan yang berlaku sepanjang tempoh peperiksaan. “Kalau terpaksa tangguh, mungkin bukan sepenuhnya, ada sebahagiannya,” ujar beliau menyentuh berkenaan penundaan SPM bagi kawasan yang mungkin dilanda banjir dan memberi kesan kepada kelancaran pelajar untuk menduduki SPM.

Dato’ Pkharuddin turut memperkenalkan pentaksiran peperiksaan melalui teknologi sejurus dengan hala tuju KPM iaitu Pendigitalan Pentaksiran. “Sebahagian daripada kertas yang pelajar duduki nanti, kita akan periksa secara atas talian.

“Para guru tanda sahaja markah itu, dan ia akan masuk dalam simpanan dan penjumlahan markah dilakukan secara terus. Ia tidak perlu dipindahkan ke dalam sistem sebab ia sudah ada dalam sistem,” ulas beliau lagi.

Pelaksanaan Peperiksaan dan Pemarkahan SPM dalam Norma Baharu

Oleh: Siti Nur Amira Binti S.Zainal Abidin Shah

Rohaida Binti Mahmud, 50 tahun
Guru di Sekolah Kebangsaan Taman Hi-Tech Kulim, Kedah.

KULIM: Krisis global akibat penularan COVID-19 bukan sahaja memberikan kesan terhadap ekonomi malahan turut mengakibatkan aktiviti pembelajaran dan pemudahcaraan (PDPC) di semua insitusi pendidikan terganggu. Hal ini termasuk juga dengan kanak-kanak prasekolah yang berumur 5 tahun sehingga 6 tahun. Oleh hal yang demikian, Kementerian Pelajaran Malaysia (KPM) telah mengeluarkan arahan supaya pembelajaran atas talian dilaksanakan di semua peringkat institusi pendidikan negara.

Rohaida Binti Mahmud, 50 merupakan seorang guru di Sekolah Kebangsan Taman Hi- Tech Kulim, akur dengan arahan tersebut. Banyak medium yang digunakan bagi merealisasikan pembelajaran maya tersebut. Antaranya ialah penggunaan Google Classroom
serta saluran di Youtube.

Reaksi daripada para pelajar pula bergantung kepada kemudahan yang disediakan oleh ibu apa. Hal ini terjadi kerana kebanyakan mereka tidak memiliki gajet dan internet sendiri bagi menyertau pembelajaran maya. Terdapat jurang penyertaan pembelajaran atas talian dalam kalangan mereka yang mempunyai kemudahan dengan yang tidak mempunyai kemudahan.

“Antara kekangan yang dihadapi oleh guru-guru ialah capaian kepada kemudahan internet. Pelajar perlu mempunyai perisian yang bersesuaian yang boleh digunakan untuk mengakses program. Keadaan ini mungkin menyukarkan mereka yang tinggal di luar bandar
dan mereka mereka yang kurang berkemampuan,” kata Puan Rohaida.

Selain daripada itu, ketiadaan kemudahan seperti komputer atau telefon pintar juga menyukarkan mereka untuk mengikuti pembelajaran. Hal yang demikian menyebabkan pelajar berkenaan ketinggalan pelajaran mereka.

Suasana pembelajaran yang tidak kondusif untuk belajar juga merupakan faktor yang menjadi kekangan dalam pelaksanaan pembelajaran atas talian. Bagi mereka yang kurang berkemampuan akan menghadapi masalah ini di mana ianya merangkumi tempat yang sempit, bising dan bilangan ahli keluarga yang ramai.

Keberkesanan terhadap pembelajaran juga terkesan di mana punca kekangan yang dihadapi oleh pihak pelajar dan guru lebih kepada masalah disiplin pelajar sendiri di mana terdapat segelintir yang tidak memberikan tumpuan dan bersikap sambil lewa.

Kemahiran guru dalam penggunaan ICT juga menjadi salah satu kekangan kepada pembelajaran atas talian. Guru yang lemah dalam kemahiran ICT tidak dapat melaksanakan pembelajaran atas talian dengan berkesan.

“Akan berlaku keciciran dalam pendidikan negara terutamanya kepada golongan pelajar yang kurang berkemampuan, tidak berdisiplin dan pelajar yang mempunyai ibu bapa yang tidak bertanggungjawab terhadap isu pendidikan anak-anak,” katanya.

Walau bagaimanapun, norma baru yang dipraktikkan di sekolah akan meninggalkan kesan positif terhadap perilaku pelajar di mana mereka akan lebih mengutamakan kebersihan dan sedar tentang betapa pentingnya menjaga kesihatan diri.

Pembelajaran Pelajar-pelajar Sekolah Semasa Pandemik

Oleh: Nur Atieqah Binti Hisham

Gambar Cikgu Nancy Thomas : Sumber Facebook

MIRI: Cabaran ketika musim pandemik COVID-19 sudah pasti memberikan impak kepada tenaga pengajar yang terpaksa meneruskan aktiviti pendidikan secara atas talian. Begitulah apa yang dirasai oleh tenaga pengajar yang berasal dari Miri, Sarawak iaitu Cikgu Nancy.

Menurut Nancy Thomas, 43 tahun, yang merupakan seorang guru Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Merbau mengatakan bahawa pembelajaran secara atas talian seperti menggunakan aplikasi “Google Meet” merupakan satu perkara yang sangat
mencabar.

“Cabaran yang paling utama ketika kelas atas talian adalah pelajar mudah berasa bosan. Untuk mengelakkan rasa itu, saya megenakan kostum tradisional yang berbeza setiap hari dan menyediakan pelbagai kuiz serta permainan untuk menarik minat para
pelajar,” katanya lagi.

Pelbagai usaha yang harus dilakukan oleh Cikgu Nancy sebelum memulakan kelasnya. Seawal jam 5 pagi, beliau akan bangun untuk menguruskan kerja pembersihan rumah terlebih dahulu serta menyediakan sarapan untuk keluarganya.

Selesai sahaja mengemas rumah, beliau akan bersedia untuk mengadakan kelas secara atas talian dengan menggayakan baju tradisional. Menurut beliau, kelas atas talian memberikan impak yang positif dan negatif dimana beliau dapat mengupas sesuatu topik dengan terperinci dan perlahan serta dapat memastikan murid fokus dan dapat menjawab ujian dengan baik meskipun mempunyai gangguan jaringan internet pada waktu tertentu.

“Saya akan mengadakan perjumpaan di sekolah sebanyak 2 kali seminggu dengan para pelajar untuk memudahkan mereka menyiapkan semua kerja khusus dan pada akhirnya hanya fokus kepada latihan sebelum peperiksaan” katanya.

Rasika A/P Thimayah, 19 Tahun, Pelajar STPM ,SMK Merbau.

Menurut salah seorang pelajar STPM, iaitu Rasika A/P Thimayah, 19, beliau begitu mengemari kelas Cikgu Nancy kerana teknik pengajaran yang menarik serta kelainan yang sering diwujudkan oleh Cikgu Nancy ketika sesi pengajaran bahasa Melayu atas talian. Salah satu kelainan yang dibuat oleh Cikgu Nancy adalah mengenakan kostum tradisional.

Menurut Rasika, Cikgu Nancy sentiasa menjadi inspirasi para pelajar kerana beliau sentiasa memberi motovasi kepada para pelajar untuk berjaya dan sentiasa menceritakan kisah hidupnya yang bermula daripada kosong sehingga kini mampu meraih kejayaannya tersendiri kerana kegigihan untuk mengubah kemiskinan hidup beliau. Pengalaman yang diceritakan telah menjadi pembakar semangat kepada murid-muridnya.

“Cinta tidak akan dapat membayar susu atau makanan yang ada dikaunter kalau tiada pendidikan di dada,” kata Rasika apabila berkongsi salah satu pesanan yang sering dikongsi oleh Cikgu Nancy dengan pelajarnya.

Kelas Atas Talian Bersama Cikgu Nancy Tidak Membosankan

Oleh: Amyliana Endi Anak Jawa

Gambar sekadar hiasan - sumber foto Pinterest

SIBU: Pembelajaran atas talian sememangnya memiliki banyak cabaran dan dugaan buat para pelajar. Namun demikian, para pelajar haruslah tabah dalam mengharungi segala pahit manis dalam usaha menuju ke menara gading.

Jika ditanya mengenai pembelajaran secara atas talian, setiap pelajar mempunyai pandangan yang berbeza dan kebanyakannya melihat daripada pelbagai perspektif sama ada positif atau negatif.

Menurut salah seorang mahasiswa Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Cik Christy anak Joseph, 23 yang mengambil jurusan Kemanusiaan, beliau berkata bahawa pembelajaran yang dilakukan atas talian menyebabkan beliau berasa kurang bersemangat kerana terdapat lebih banyak cabaran jika dibandingkan dengan kelas yang diadakan secara bersemuka.

Christy anak Joseph, 23

“Cabaran yang dihadapi semasa kelas atas talian adalah seperti masalah internet, kurang fokus semasa pensyarah mengajar disebabkan persekitan tempat pembelajaran seperti di rumah yang agak bising,” kata Christy.

Selain itu, Christy juga turut berkongsi tips semasa menjalani pembelajaran atas talian. Menurutnya, para pelajar hendaklah sentiasa mencatat nota semasa proses pembelajaran sedang berlangsung agar tidak hilang fokus.

Beliau juga menyarankan agar pelajar seharusnya mendapatkan tidur yang
secukupnya kerana pelajar akan mudah mengantuk sebaik sahaja kelas bermula.

Pembelajaran Atas Talian: Mudah Atau Sukar?

Oleh: Hazeline Dion anak Leonard

Haji Ainol Amriz Ismail menyampaikan perkongsian beliau dalam segmen “Sharing is Caring but Not for Fake News” bagi Journalism Colloquium 2020 hari ini - Sumber foto Youtube SASARAN.

SHAH ALAM: Perasmian bagi Journalism Colloquium 2020 anjuran Fakulti Komunikasi dan Pengajian Media Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Shah Alam tajaan kosmetik Wardah telah bersiaran secara langsung pada pagi ini menerusi pautan Live Streaming Youtube (SASARAN) dengan membahaskan isu yang bertajuk "Journalism in a Pandemic : Adapting and Evolving."

Panel Haji Ainol Amriz Ismail merupakan pensyarah separuh masa Fakulti Bahasa Moden dan Komunikasi Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) yang juga merupakan mantan jurnalis di Utusan Malaysia. Perkongsian bersama beliau dalam segmen “Sharing is Caring but Not for Fake News,” membuktikan bahawa kewartawanan kini amat mencabar dan semakin ramai pemburu berita yang dikenali sebagai wartawan warga.

“Wartawan warga merupakan kelompok yang menjalankan tugasan tanpa latihan kewartawanan yang formal,” katanya dalam sesi perbahasan tersebut. Beliau menyatakan struktur budaya kewartawanan warga semakin berleluasa kerana hasil kewartawanan tersebut dapat diakses secara umum serta menjadi rujukan alternatif masyarakat dan perkara ini amatlah berbahaya.

Keadaan ini bertentangan dengan pengamal media sebenar kerana mereka terikat dengan etika media. Beliau berkata kawalan ketat terhadap media mengakibatkan rakyat beralih dari media tradisional kepada media sosial dan kesan daripada kebebasan wartawan warga menyebarkan maklumat akhirnya mengakibatkan terlalu banyak informasi untuk diproses dan kecelaruan maklumat berlaku.

“Kuasa kewartawanan warga pada hari ini adalah komuniti terbesar dalam sangkar teknologi dan akan terus menjadi pepijat selagi mana jajaran Internet tidak terputus.

“When the news is easily accessible, people are less likely to care about the validity and credibility of the news,” ujar Haji Ainol dalam satu kenyataan beliau.

Wartawan Warga Di Dunia Media

Oleh: Normafitry Binti Normal

ENGLISH NEWS

Photo - Source from The University Network (TUN)

SIBU: In a statement, the Ministry of Higher Education (MOE) announced that online classes need to be extended until the end of the year to December 31, 2020 with the purpose of avoiding the gathering of the crowd in order to break the chain of the Covid-19 situation.

The Covid-19 outbreak had affected most students in universities and this is due to the restrictions to physical classes, a face-to-face interaction between the lecturer and the student itself with the replacement of online classes during the pandemic. As such, the new norms of the learning process through online has been one of the big challenges especially those who live in rural areas.

Following the announcement, this has led to the concern of fellow students as some of them have no internet access in their home for the purpose of online classes. Due to this concern, reviews have been collected to gather the students regarding their take on online classes during the pandemic.

Edrinna Marylin Senai, 22

Student of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Bintulu

Bernadine Raisa Binti Raimon, 22

Student of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)

According to Edrinna, student of University Putra Malaysia (UPM), Bintulu mentioned that online learning is really difficult for her as she is not familiar with the applications used.

“I think online class is really hard for me with my limited internet access. I had to go to a place where I can access the internet just to attend class. For me, the most difficult things during this online class is when I need to rush to a place for internet access whenever there is a sudden quiz being held.” said Edrinna.

She added, “During online classes, I feel a certain burden in terms of financial as I need to spend at least RM50 per week not just only for the data prepaid but also for the public transport that I use to go to town (KANOWIT, SARAWAK) for internet access. I hope the next semester will be better for us, and that the students can go back to campus and have a face to face class.”

Raisa, from University of Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) said that she has no issues regarding online classes as she a good internet coverage to attend classes. However, she struggles to a lecturer to supervise her final year project (FYP) in person.

She added, “In completing FYP this semester, I find it very difficult especially when it comes to discussions with lecturers. These online discussions are sometimes difficult to carry out because there are times when the lecturer cannot be contacted compared to my situation on campus where I just have to go to his office to have a discussion. I hope the virus situation will recover so that the student will be able to have normal learning like before in the future.”

Through the situation, while online classes makes it difficult for students to catch up during classes, this becomes a factor which could contibute to the decline of student’ academic performance during the online learning, which could affect poorly on their academic results.

Student’s Life: Online Classes in Pandemic

By Harrison Vergeer Rosley

Vice Chancellor, Professor Datuk Mohamad Kadim Suaidi giving his speech

during UNIMAS Class of 2020 Virtual Ceremony - Source from Facebook Live

KOTA SAMARAHAN: "UNIMAS Class of 2020 Virtual Ceremony" organised by Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) last Thursday were held in honour of 3,210 undergraduates and 343 postgraduates who successfully completed their studies this year.

According to UNIMAS Vice Chancellor, Professor Datuk Mohamad Kadim Suaidi, he said that the event was not a replacement for the convocation, but to celebrate fellow graduates and their families. The actual convocation will take place next year when the situation allows.

“The class of 2020 is a special batch indeed. You have shown us that anything is possible if you have the will and the determination,” he added.

Juti Kiai, 23, a graduate from the Arts Management Programme said that it was a joyful event though it was not as lively as a face-to-face celebration.

“There were lots of precious moments in UNIMAS and one that I can’t seem to forget is the time where I was struggling together with my friends within those three years especially during the pandemic. I hope that we can celebrate it physically.”

Commenting further, Juti enjoyed the class of 2020 ceremony and was grateful that he finally completed his studies on time at UNIMAS with an abundance of memories to be cherished.

“As mentioned by the Vice Chancellor, UNIMAS has agreed to postpone the 2020 Convocation Ceremony which was originally scheduled in October, but because of the global health crisis, they would save the actual event for the later. I’m so excited about it,” he added.

Meanwhile for Mohd Rafiq Bin Haslan, 23, a graduate from the Design Technology Programme said that he was having a difficult time finishing his final year semester and indeed, UNIMAS Class of 2020 ceremony was really meaningful event for him.

“I’m very thankful to UNIMAS for the ceremony to celebrate our accomplishments with our beloved one. I hope when the condition of this pandemic gets better, when the situation permits, all of us will meet each other soon to receive our scroll together at DeTAR PUTRA, UNIMAS,” he added.

Juti Anak Kiai, 23

Art Management’s student

Mohd Rafiq Bin Haslan, 23

Design Technology’s student

UNIMAS Class of 2020 Virtual Ceremony

By Siti Nur Amira binti S. Zainal Abidin Shah

Photo source : Facebook page #ILOVESIBU

SIBU: Sibu remains as the district with the highest number of COVID-19 cases. According to Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister , Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, following an official announcement the MCO in Sibu would be extended from January 30 to February 14 , originally from January 16 to January 29 2021.

For Flowrecya Joanna, 23, a student from the Human Resource Development Programme in Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) said MCO has been quite stressful for her as a student because as students who need to attend online classes, a big change from the usual face-to-face classes , this becomes a factor which is quite difficult for her to tackle critical assignments during her studies. However, looking from a positive aspect, she said that students can use this opportunity to strengthen their relationship between their family members, when staying at home amidst the movement restrictions.

Flowrecya Joanna anak Nelson, 23.

Following the MCO extension announcement in Sibu district, she agreed with the decisions that has been set by the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC).

“I agree that the MCO in Sibu has extended because there have been so many cases in Sibu now. Many people have lost their lives due to this virus in Sibu. So, the MCO is good to keep people at home and safe to reduce the number of cases in Sibu”.

Meanwhile, Flowrecya also advised not only locals in her hometown, but also Sarawakians across the state to always be vigilant to control the Covid-19 situation from getting worse.

MCO Extension : Local University Students Remain Positive

By Hazeline Dion Anak Leonard

Student’s Dilemma: Balancing Work and Study

By Nurul Nasyuha Binti Mohd Saludin

Yusri Johari, 23, a fitness gym trainer at 88 gym fitness

SENAI: 89% of students in Malaysia, almost very nine in 10 among students, is working while studying, most commonly because they need additional money, according to HSBC survey.

Malaysian university students are progressively turning to paid employment to bridge the gap between the cost of studying and funding from their parents. HSBC’s “The Value of Education – The Price of Success” also stated that while additional money may be used for fees or cost of living, they are also for splashing out on clothes, make-up and entertainment.

The survey also reveals that most students approximately spend RM67,600 over the course of a degree on tuition fees, accommodation, bills and lifestyle costs. 7% of parents surveyed admitted that grandparents help fill some funding gaps for their child whilst at university, but friends, loans or the child’s own income are the main source of funding.

Many students are turning to part-time jobs to fund their degree, with 30% of them saying they will need to cover part of the costs associated with their degree through paid unemployment.

However, not all students are working to help fund their education. The HSBC report says 53% of students in Malaysia venture into part-time work to boost employability in a highly competitive job market.

Yusri Bin Johari, 23, a Bachelor of Science of Education (Sport Science) at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UTM) who is also a fitness gym trainer said that he believed that working while studying will enhance his job prospects as it helps build connection and understanding to the real word.

“Students who wish to work in areas that they are passionate about should apply for jobs in industries that they are studying in,” Yusri added. He also said that he enjoyed working while studying because he already knows some basic knowledge about his job scope since he is a sport science student.

Yusri said that they are few issues when work while studying such as balancing his time, as he must follows his client’s schedule. “Most of the times, my client can tolerate about their time with me and my adviser also understand my situation as a student, hence it quite easy for me to manage my time,” he said.

A glimpse of real-world skills and experiential learning during tertiary education are important for students or graduates for forge opportunities for themselves. Working part-time while studying is a way for students to gain extra cash to cover expenses incurred during a course of studies and also to build student’s performance in their area of studies.

Photo source by BERNAMA

KUCHING: Senior Education Minister Dr Radzi Jidin announced last Tuesday that the school opening date for the first term of the 2021 session has been set for January 20. As the number of COVID-19 cases continue to increase, the school session this January 20th will not involve face to -face learning, except for the exam candidates.

The announcement drew mixed reactions from parents with children of non-exam classes. As a mother of three, Lamban Anak Unchat is worried about how the pandemic has affected her children's education.

"My kids have never failed to complete their online work, but without physical classes, I'm worried about the development of skills such as experimenting, exploration and creativity. And as a B40 group, the Ministry should provide computer to our children to make it easier for them to do online learning," she said.

The MCO has also impacted the B40 group of students who do not have enough gadgets to excess online learning. "Not everything has to be done online. An increased exposure to electronic gadgets may lead to health issues including eye strain and stress," she added.

A 2020 SPM student, Sazzy Henry shared her story and opinion about her trial examinations which were interrupted when the ministry announced the Movement Control Order (MCO) last November.

According to Sazzy, the impacts of the pandemic and months of online classes have only left SPM candidates anxious, as they are ill-prepared to sit for their exams.

As the school reopens in January 20th, she’s very excited because she can meet her classmates as well and has expressed her confidence that the Education Ministry would find an effective way to the issues involving the education sector amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Schools Adapt to New Norm, in New Year

By Marcella Henry

New Year, New Me: Mentally and Emotionally Ready to New Challenges poster - Source by UNIMAS

KOTA SAMARAHAN: In difficult times, it can be hard to stay positive and find our balance especially with the pandemic that is currently happening all over the world. Many people are affected by it, as their daily routines has completely changed and have to adapt to the ‘new norm’.

In result to that, some individuals are having tough times because they are mentally sick which lead to extreme stress, depression and levels of insecurity strike up especially for students. Since they are now ‘forced’ to stay at home and do online learning, it could be harder than the physical one.

“We remain resilient. We are resilient and we need to remain that way. It is very important for us to understand the term and bounce back from adversity and the challenges that will occur in 2021,” said Dr. Amalia Madihie during the Student Development Talk Series, New Year, New Me: Mentally and Emotionally Ready to New Challenges that was held on the 6th of January 2021 through the Zoom meeting platform.

She remarked that mental health is about our state of mind while emotional is about our feelings which are very significant to each other and very important. If the mental is sick, definitely our feelings and emotional well-being will be affected as well.

She also touched on about student’s hidden struggles during this pandemic and not having anybody to talk to. Talking to someone gives comfort although, not physically but at least virtually it helps.

“We want to feel that someone is there for us, understanding us, it’s not sympathy that we want because you know your capability, you know you can juggle with the situation but at least someone hears and listens to you so that is something that I would like to highlight,” she added.

Dr. Amalia also shared her resilient booster tips, where we first need to know ourselves in the current situation. She has also highlighted ‘the loss of self’ where we need to reflect on the ‘who am I’ question. “It is about your perception on yourself and then when you reflect your environment, it will influence your perception so this is about knowing yourself,” she explained.

She also advised everyone that if the person whom we are close to has a difficult time, we need to show our absolute support and concern. Never make judgments and stop labeling. That would be the least we can do as a community, as friends or as family members.

Resilience in The Face of Adversity

By Nur Sabrina binti Roselim

Staying in Campus During The Pandemic

By Nur Atieqah Binti Hisham

Mohamad Izzat Syafiq Bin Sharudin, 22

GELUGOR: While in the midst of the pandemic, some institutions reopened for students to stay at campus safely and this includes the University of Science Malaysia (USM). As a precautionary measure against the spread of Covid-19, students participated in virtual learning, practicing the Standard Operation System (SOP), and avoided social gatherings or events adherence to the restriction order. Some of the students chose to stay in campus during the Online Distance Learning (ODL) due to certain factors.

22-year-old Bachelor in Economics student, Mohamad Izzat Syafiq Bin Sharudin made a choice to stay in campus during ODL. “The internet connection at my house is not stable for online class,” said Izzat. It worries him as he needs access to the learning website to complete his daunting assignments.

Apart from being in online class, he would spent his time jogging around the campus in order to stay healthy. This gives him the spirit to complete his assignments and taking good notes for classes. However, he does face a few challenges during the ODL where he felt the pressure slowly kicking in when the tasks given by his lecturers are almost due and that

had made him feel lethargic. He spent his time mostly in his room in order to finish all of the assignments given and because of that, he also experienced constant headaches because ODL requires staring at electronic equipment for a long period of time.

He admitted that he felt the learning environment in campus does encourage and motivated him more compare to when staying at home. Through tough situation of ODL, Izzat and his friends motivated each other by having a healthy competition with each other. They competed on who got the highest marks for each task. That made him and his friends more enthusiastic and stay focused to embrace the ODL.

His advice for students who faced the same situation especially university students, they should not use the pandemic as an excuse for them to fail their classes but to make this pandemic as progress and adaptation in the new norm.

Khairul Amirnur Haziq Bin Kasim, 22

KULAI: The COVID-19 pandemic took the world by surprise. In these new norms, many projects have been delayed, workplaces closed, school and institutions shut down. The world seems to be shaken and have ground to a halt because of the novel coronavirus. However, students continue their education through online learning via online platform such as Zoom meeting, Webex and Microsoft Team, including all university students in Malaysia. Due to the rising cost of living, many university students doing part-time jobs to cover their living and other education-related expenses.

In this situation, some have to manage working a part-time job during semester while classes are going on. However, it can be hard to do their part-time job without compromising on academic performance.

According to Khairul Amirnur Haziq Bin Kasim, 22, it is all depends on how the individual set their priorities. The second year Bachelor’s in International Business Administration student at University Kuala Lumpur Business School has been working as a waiter and cashier at a cafe in Johor.

“I work for eight until twelve hours per day, started from 10 am and usually finished at 6-9pm, depending on type of event or catering that being held at the café. In normal days when we do not get any orders, I finished my work at 6pm,” he said.

Haziq said that he needs to split up his commitment between study and working. Sometimes, he also loses focus for study because of being tired from work. He also gets the pressure and felt that working is more important than study. Even so, he said that he still tried to focus more in studying and take leaves when he knows his assignments are piling up.

When asked about his employer’s reaction when he was having classes during work or taking leaves, he said that their respond was not quite impressive. “From time to time, I cannot focus during my classes because at work, my employer might have bad impression of me when I keep focusing on my laptop or mobile phone instead of doing my work at café,” he added.

“The work is very tiring, most of the time I was left out during classes and it’s become obvious when I had to ask my classmates about my assignments but at the end of the day, I still manage to submit my assignments before the dateline,” said Haziq.

Even when it was hard to concentrated in both commitment at the same time, he insists on working part-time as he feels that work while studying helps, he manages his time better and be more focused rather than just staying at home and do nothing.

“More importantly, it provides me with real-life experiences on how to communicate with customers, working under pressure and improve my works qualities,” Haziq said.

He also shared that he was happy working despite facing many challenges at workplace, hence, the exposure in the working environment can be applied in his future workplace and it would be especially useful in improving his work performance.