Vice-Rector Orović: We Use All Available Resources for Continuity in Work and Science

We conversed with Vice-Rector of the University of Montenegro and the Chairperson of the UMNE Scientific Committee, Irena Orovic, PhD, about possibilities to manage science in the new circumstances caused by the global pandemic, as well as to adapt characteristics of scientific fields of technical faculties to online teaching.

At the very beginning, she emphasized that all activities at the University of Montenegro were adapted to the new situation, with the aim of maintaining the continuity of work and maintaining the enviable quality of work in all spheres of activity, but in accordance with recommendations and orders of the Government of Montenegro and the Ministry of Health to undertake temporary measures to prevent transmission into the country, suppress and prevent the transmission of new coronavirus and minimize side effects of the virus corona epidemic.

UMNE: Is it possible to keep science in focus, given the anti-proliferation measures of COVID 19?

Mrs. OROVIC, PhD: We strive to preserve intensity of the activity, using all available research resources. In current circumstances, research is mainly conducted in segments that do not require measurement and data collection in the field, as well as work in larger groups and laboratories, but more research in the field of analysis and processing of existing data, sample processing, of course using online databases, computer equipment and software tools, as well as all other available online services.

The University of Montenegro provided a subscription and access to numerous services and the most eminent scientific literature from the Web of Science collection by the contract signed with Clarivate Analytics.

Researchers at the University of Montenegro can use the Clarivate Analytics platform when preparing scientific publications, to select and systematize quality literature, to be better informed and to make scientific content more accessible.

In addition, we use this period to prepare new project applications, define new project ideas, and it seems that the current lack of social activities and a somewhat reduced scope of administrative responsibilities can even contribute to an increase in individual research activities.

What we miss most is collaboration with wider scientific community through mobility of researchers, participation in scientific conferences, but it is implemented though video conferences just like anywhere in the world right now.

UMNE: How mitigating is unlocking of the Clarivate Analytics platform?

Mrs. OROVIC, PhD: Thanks to the availability of content within the Web of Science database, researchers at UMNEhave been given the opportunity to use services, search and analytics tools within WoS that may greatly help in selecting scientific literature, reviewing attractive research areas and papers, systematization and categorization of scientific publications published by renowned international publishers.

A few days ago, the first online training for using this platform through video conference was completed. The training process has been recorded and is available to our users as video material.

However, this is only the beginning of activities in this field,i.e., first in series of trainings to be organized in forthcomingperiod for our researchers, and we will certainly organize live trainings as soon as the conditions are created.

We believe that our scientific community can greatly benefitfrom these services to improve the quality and more efficient selection of appropriate scientific literature.

UMNE: From your experience, as a lecturer at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, how is it possible to hold online classes at technical faculties, given their nature?

Mrs. OROVIĆ, PhD: We make significant efforts, not only on engineering faculties but throughout the University, to adapt the teaching process to new circumstances. This involves primarily adapting teaching materials to online learning, as well as adapting how the material is presented, which again depends on the nature of the subject matter being studied. It should be noted that the structure of the course is such that there are different disciplines, fundamental, theoretical, professional, practical, which are again very characteristic to each of the technical faculties.

We have many cases where lectures are conducted online with a tablet used instead of writing board, creating assignments and illustrating examples, then using interactive presentations, and we also have software and programming disciplines where students with teachers and associates work online to implement program codes.

I would also like to emphasize the efforts of professors and associates who record certain performances on equipment that is not currently available to students because it is located in laboratories, and present performance to students through recorded video.

A very innovative solution, i.e. online learning platform, was created by professors from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, which enables scheduling appointments, announcing notifications, presenting video materials and holding video conferences using exclusively our servers.

Therefore, there are numerous opportunities and great effortsbeing made because of the situation we are all in, with the aim to overcome all limitations and preserve quality of the teaching process.

UMNE: In comparison to traditional teaching, what are the advantages and disadvantages of online teaching when it comes to this subject?

Mrs. OROVIĆ, PhD: Traditional teaching certainly provides much more comfort, interactivity and a more dynamic teaching process than online teaching, especially when it comes to professional and practical disciplines. Of course, there is also access to equipment, materials, laboratories, software tools, which are an integral part of modern traditional teaching. Preparing online teaching materials is much more time-consuming, the teaching process itself requires more time and customization, and is quite dependent on the resources, i.e. the availability of computer equipment, the quality of Internet connection, and the size of the teaching group, not to mention the fact that students continue to take part from houses in conditions other than those provided by the amphitheater or computer room. On the other hand, everyone is very aware of the extraordinary circumstances, and there is an awareness and desire to continue with the activities, so due to these factors, the collaboration and synergies between professors and students are even stronger and more intense.

UMNE: How would you advise students on how they can facilitate their studies from home?

Mrs. OROVIC, PhD: It is very important to keep continuity in work, and this is only possible if activities are performed on a daily basis according to a specific schedule, as we do in normal circumstances.

Therefore, despite of we are staying at home, we need to organize our working part of the day.

Students should attend lectures if they are able to, and in addition, complete their individual activities, homework, seminar papers and essays.

Since all teaching materials are available, students should resolve any dilemmas or possible concerns about the course material in a timely manner and in intensive consultation with teachers and associates. Our common mission is to always do our best and to achieve the best results in the circumstances.