With the improvement of students’ learning experiences as a top priority, an OUM team visited Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) in Skudai, Johor, on 25 September. The team, of which I was a part, toured UTM’s advanced virtual lab at the Centre for Advancement in Digital and Flexible Learning (CDex) to explore how cutting-edge digital tools could enhance OUM’s STEM programmes.
We wanted to identify ways to integrate virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and simulation technologies into OUM’s curriculum. These tools will allow our students to engage with complex materials in immersive and practical ways, transforming learning into a more interactive experience.
We also explored potential collaboration opportunities for curriculum development and research partnerships.
Our team led by Dr Raziana Che Aziz (Dean, Faculty of Technology and Applied Sciences), included Dr Md Rosli Ismail (Director of the Centre for Research & Innovation), Assoc Prof Dr Zahari Hamidon (Head, Centre for Learning Technology [CLT]), CLT staff Mohd Ridhwan Zulkifli and Khairul Azhar Iskander Mirza, and two staff from the Vice President/Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Business Development)’s office, Gowri M. Ramanathan and Zazilia Mohd Rawi, who helped coordinate the visit.
UTM representatives provided an in-depth tour of the virtual lab’s facilities, showcasing how their technologies support teaching and learning in fields like engineering and applied sciences. We experienced hands-on demonstrations of VR and AR tools, highlighting their potential to make learning more dynamic. Engineering students, for instance, can explore 3D models, while science students can conduct virtual experiments, offering practical learning in a risk-free environment.
After the tour, we held discussions on future collaborations, exploring the use of VR in education, the creation of digital labs for science and engineering, and joint research projects in educational technology. The talks also touched on grant applications, joint publications, and faculty exchanges, aimed at strengthening ties between OUM and UTM.
This visit is expected to significantly benefit OUM students, especially those in STEM programmes. By incorporating advanced digital tools into its curriculum, we can provide students with more engaging and hands-on learning experiences. These technologies not only simplify complex concepts but also equip students with practical in-demand skills.
We ended the visit with plans to continue collaborating in education and research, which we hope will help enhance OUM’s STEM programmes.
* Ts Tajuzzaman Hassanor is a lecturer in the Faculty of Technology and Applied Sciences. He can be contacted at tajuzzaman@oum.edu.my.
