CML CROSSING THE BORDER: COMMUNITY OUTREACH @PPD SETIU, TERENGGANU
16 October 2024 (Wednesday) -- A team from the Centre for Modern Languages (CML) at Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) crossed state borders to reach out to 55 language educators from Setiu, a district in Terengganu. The delegation set off from Pekan to the Pejabat Pendidikan Daerah (PPD) Setiu, aiming to share their expertise in integrating technology into pedagogy, with a special focus on generative artificial intelligence (AI) and ChatGPT specifically.
This initiative was timely, as these educators were granted access to the latest version of ChatGPT (4.0), which, when used effectively, has the potential to revolutionize classroom instruction. By demonstrating how to craft effective prompts and implement AI tools, the team provided insights into how AI can transform teaching and learning experiences.
According to Pn Azimah Dollah, a School Improvement Specialist Coach (SISC) from PPD Setiu, the teachers thoroughly enjoyed the session and found the tools and strategies shared are highly practical. They were all eager to apply these insights in their classrooms. The teachers were greatly appreciating the information provided about the opportunities to further their studies at UMPSA, particularly the master’s programme. This has certainly piqued the interest of many and opened exciting possibilities for their professional development.
The delegation for the project Community Outreach @PPD Setiu: Tech Tools for Educators, led by Dr. Azwin Arif Abdul Rahim, Head of the CML Postgraduate Programme, also included Dr. Mohammad Musab Azmat Ali, Dr. Nor Yazi Hj Khamis, and Wan Hafeza Wan Salam, an alumnus of the Master’s in Technology-Integrated Language Studies (MScTILS). Wan Hafeza's participation, suggested by the UMPSA Postgraduate Institute, added an important alumni perspective to the discussions.
This outreach effort served multiple purposes: Expanding the visibility of CML’s academic expertise beyond Pahang and creating opportunities for strategic collaboration between the institutions involved. It is also aligned with the UMPSA Strategic Plan 2021-2025, specifically contributing to Strategic Objective 1—boosting postgraduate enrolment, particularly from the education sector. Additionally, the visit laid the foundation for a dynamic network between CML and the broader teaching community, fostering collaboration and innovation in language education.
By:
Dr Azwin Arif Abdul Rahim
Dr Mohammad Musab Azmat Ali
Dr Nor Yazi Hj Khamis
