UNAIR NEWS – Towards the end of 2020, the Rector Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) inaugurated a new faculty leader by appointing a new dean. Prof. Dr. Dian Agustia SE., M.Si., Ak. was officially inaugurated as Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) for the 2020-2025 term.
Prof. Dian stated that the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered major changes worldwide. This has impacted and affected all sectors, including higher education. Since March 2020, higher education institutions, particularly the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) at UNAIR, have been directly impacted by the pandemic.
"Higher education must adapt to all activities at universities. The teaching and learning process must continue, even if it's conducted online," he said.
To anticipate the spread of the Covid-19 virus, all learning at FEB UNAIR is being conducted online using an e-learning . This is also in accordance with the directives of the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture (Kemendikbud).
"Because in this odd semester all learning systems are conducted online, all academics at FEB UNAIR must make changes," he said.
In terms of educational staff, FEB UNAIR has improved its capabilities by implementing information systems technology. This way, the online learning process at FEB UNAIR can be supported by staff who have begun to utilize information technology
"Students cannot stop their teaching and learning activities at FEB UNAIR. In addition to studying, they must also continue their student activities," he added.
For student activities, FEB UNAIR has provided supporting facilities, including online media. These facilities are provided by the institution to ensure effective implementation of student activities.
"For lecturers, the effectiveness of e-learning will also be improved to ensure its smooth operation. Hopefully, we can further enhance the effectiveness of e-learning implementation in the next semester," he explained.
To realize a smart university in the field of education, FEB UNAIR's first step is to improve smart education for millennials . With the industrial revolution and changes caused by the pandemic, the skills needed in the future are also changing. College graduates are expected to possess problem-solving abilities.
Additionally, college graduates must possess social and process skills . Social skills relate to how graduates negotiate, communicate, and coordinate in the workplace. Process skills, relate to how graduates think about contributing to the real world.
Furthermore, Prof. Dian explained that literacy related to human and computer technology is essential today. This requires universities to begin reorienting their curricula.
"University curricula must adapt to the demands of a changing environment. FEB UNAIR will conduct a curriculum reorientation. The effectiveness of e-learning will also be improved," he concluded. (*)
Author: Sandi Prabowo
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia