KUWAIT: In line with recent decisions by the Council of Ministers, Ministry of Education, and the Private Universities Council (PUC), the Australian College of Kuwait (ACK) has launched its distance learning (e-learning) program that is open to all students for all programs of study.
This initiative is part of ACK's efforts to reduce educational delays for students in light of the difficult present situation caused by the corona virus. The distance learning program will enable participating students to immediately resume their spring semester of 2019/2020 and conclude the semester before the planned August continuation for live classes on campus.
The distance learning (e-learning) program officially commenced on April 12, 2020 and the first week is a trial period for students to decide if they feel comfortable with this means of learning. Those who remain with the online program will conclude their semester on June 9, 2020.
Professor Isam Zabalawi, President of ACK, presented an online speech to ACK students and parents to introduce the program. Prof Zabalawi highlighted the efforts by ACK in working with its international partners and the PUC to maximize the benefits of the program to students.
He explained that ACK carefully prepared the associated technological infrastructure so that students could log on from home and be fully linked to faculty through a range of electronic learning mediums and also participate in online work teams with other students. Depending on the nature of individual courses of study, faculty can choose between pre-taped or live online classes and as appropriate with Powerpoint slides with voice commentary.
Intensive electronic training programs have been arranged for all academic and administrative staff to ensure that students are fully supported in their transition from in-class to online learning and assessment. A special Web link has been established as an ongoing resource to students in using the distance learning structure.
In addition, all faculty and Student Affairs staff are available electronically on a one to one basis to chat online with students and work through any challenges associated with either their learning progression or general concerns regarding their life as a student.
Prof Zabalawi emphasized that the program will particularly benefit students in their final semester so they can graduate on time. However, he also encouraged all students to participate in this online learning opportunity, adding that digitization will continue to permeate all aspects of our lives, communication, work and learning.
Therefore, those students who gain experience in online learning now will be better prepared to take advantage of growing employment and self-employment opportunities associated with electronic work environment nationally and internationally. In this regard, Prof Isam referred to the exponential growth in demand for online products and services during the pandemic and once consumers develop relationships with their electronic suppliers then many of these dealings will continue beyond the virus crisis.
Accordingly, Prof Zabalawi urged that all students use their time productively and maintain their momentum with their studies during this period of isolation. He commented, "Many companies are now looking to hire those with the ability to work from home, and therefore we feel that learning online is a steppingstone to prepare graduates to work from home."
The ACK website, portal and social media accounts are constantly being updated with information to ensure a sound understanding of the electronic learning program. Further, a live stream will be held on Instagram to answer any questions or concerns from students and parents regarding the distance learning (e-learning) program.
The session will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2020, at 12:00 pm and extracts from the streams are now on social media. Students and parents are also invited to send emails with any queries to studentaffairs@ack.edu.kw and replies will be sent as quickly as possible.