Tangerang Selatan, June 21, 2024 – In the effort of becoming a World-Class University, Universitas Terbuka (UT) continues to enhance the quality and reach of its education through international collaborations. As part of this effort, a delegation from UT visited Shanghai Open University (SOU) from May 20-24, 2024. This visit is part of the Visiting Scientist program, a crucial step in UT’s strategy to boost its global reputation and achieve recognition as a World-Class University.
As a State University with Legal Entity (PTNBH), UT received the Higher Education Endowment Fund (DAPT) through the EQUITY (Enhancing Quality Education for International University Recognition) program in 2023. This program aims to improve UT’s competitiveness on an international level.
Shanghai Open University (SOU) is one of China’s leading universities focused on open and distance education, providing learning opportunities to over 200,000 students annually through various innovative and flexible programs.
The Visiting Scientist delegation included five UT staff members: Dra. Dwi Astuti Aprijani, M.Kom. (Head of the Information Systems Department at the Faculty of Science and Technology), Candra Wibawa, S.Sn., M.Ds. (Manager of Learning Materials Preparation at the Multimedia Learning Materials Production Center), Eka Wirajuang Daurrohmah, S.E.I., M.Ak. (Head of the Accounting Department at the Faculty of Economics and Business), Venty Fitriany Nurunisa, S.E., M.Si., M.Sc. (Lecturer in Agribusiness Department at the Faculty of Science and Technology), and Rini Dwiyani Hadiwidjaja, S.E., M.Si. (Lecturer in Management Department at the Faculty of Economics and Business).
The visit to SOU focused on five main areas: the implementation of artificial intelligence, immersive learning, learning support, quality assurance, and examination systems. Over the three-day visit, the UT team had the opportunity to meet with various departments and offices at SOU, including the Institute of International Exchange, Smart Learning Center, Information & Technology Department, Quality Assurance Office, Student Support Office, Material Resource Center, and the Academic Education Department (Examination System, Teaching Affairs).
The visit aimed to initiate collaborative research, build networks, learn about the latest developments in learning technology, and plan sustainable collaborations from 2024 to 2027. This activity marks the first step in adopting best practices and innovations in open and distance education, which will help UT enhance the quality of education and achieve international standards. UT hopes this visit will open up more opportunities for future collaborations and significantly contribute to improving the quality of higher education in Indonesia. Therefore, UT can continue to play an active role in developing competent human resources ready to compete globally. For more information, visit Universitas Terbuka’s website at http://www.ut.ac.id and Shanghai Open University’s website at http://www.sou.edu.cn.
