Rector of the University of Montenegro, Danilo Nikolić, PhD, for Vijesti, addition Magazin: Teaching in Real Time from Virtual Classroom
Aligned with the newly occurred situation caused by measures for prevention of corona virus, traditional teaching on the University of Montenegro (UMNE) has been replaced with online teaching, and according to the Rector Danilo Nikolic, PhD, professors and associates have been primarily offered three internet services: portal of the University of Montenegro www.ucg.ac.me, Distance Learning system Moodle (dl.ucg.ac.me) and Zoom video conference system (zoom.us), and communication with students is achieved via social networks and student mail.
Distance learning, as Rector Nikolic says in conversation for Vijesti (dodatak Magazin) is not novelty for the University.
Several Ways of Online Teaching in the University of Montenegro
University of Montenegro, following European and global trends ever since 2005 in its teaching has been including various forms of distance learning that provides creation of courses for subjects, upload of materials, creation of multimedia presentation, upload video materials, creation of e-tests, quizzes... Distance learning platform makes possible for students to study any time and anywhere with internet access, Nikolic says.
Proposed Zoom video conference system provides, Rector explains, creating virtual classrooms and organization of lectures in real time in a way that lecturer holds in normal conditions.
These two systems are compatible so lecturers may by using Zoom to record lecture and then upload it in Moodle platform that makes possible for students to watch it several times. There is also help-desk in Center Information System (CIS) UMNE that gives IT support to all users on e-mail nastava@ucg.ac.me. So far, employees in the Center have answered to several thousand of requirements, so last week ISC has developed the SMS service for account activation available on www.aktivirajnalog.edu.ucg.ac.me. Hence the delivery of credential is safe, respecting the user’s privacy, Nikolić says.
Employees Mostly Use Moodle Platforms
Faculties are obliged to report once a week to the Rectorate about the distance learning, and based on so far delivered reports, employees on the UMNE mostly use Moodle platforms while the virtual classroom is an option to a minor extent.
Moodle platform is known to students and teachers from earlier, so it was expected they get used to it most easily. Currently on our Moodle platform there are more than 20.000 of registered users. This platform is connected to the central system of identification in CIS, so it may be accessed solely by students and employees of the UMNE.
Even though the Zoom platform is less available, Nikolic says it triggers the greatest interest.
In this way, teaching is organized in real time, there is interaction among all participants, and teaching materials in electronic form are easy to demonstrate to students. Since this type of distance teaching is the best replacement, in the forthcoming period, the UMNE will insist on being used by all professors and associates.
Practical Teaching Modified in Some Faculties, in other Cases will be Performed Afterwards
There are practical teaching and exercises in almost all study programs, depending on the nature of science or arts, in some faculties it is possible to modify practice online while in other it is not possible.
Certain faculties started recording laboratory exercises that will be uploaded on Moodle platform. The others are using already recorded materials or materials available on internet. In other cases, practical teaching will be additionally performed through intensive teaching and similar ways that will guarantee the best quality in these circumstances, Nikolić says.
June and September Term when Conditions are Provided
Since the Law on Higher Education and Statute UMNE, concerning distant learning, prescribe examinations to be held in facilities of faculties, Nikolic says that June and September exams will be organized when conditions are provided.
Students will have the opportunity to finish most of pre-exam obligations by using online learning and examination platforms, through oral exams, homework, seminar papers, essays, online tests... Of course, knowledge will depend on material studied within the subject. Our statistics show that most of students have the opportunity to follow online teaching, with access to internet, mails and electronic materials, which is extremely important for the complete process. We think that substantial number of students will be able to successfully and timely meet their obligations in this way.
Manner, Intensity and Quality of Online Teaching on a Satisfying Level
Even though distance learning is available since 2005, yet not to the extent as it is used now, Rector says that for both teaching staff and students as well as for IT support service it was the challenge to provide continuous and quality online teaching.
I believe this challenge is surpassed in a satisfying way. I am very satisfied with the way, intensity and quality of distance teaching. Certainly, this teaching presents supplement and not replacement of traditional one, so some disadvantages resulted in the lack of contact between teachers and students especially in part of examination and assessment, but in these times, when an efficient and quality feedback is expected to a completely unexpected serious of events beyond our power, I think a good job has been and is being done, Nikolić concludes.