Founding President, Dr Susan E. Saxton, of the American University of Bahrain (AUBH) says use of advanced technology enabled seamless continued learning.
How are lessons currently being conducted and how is this being received by staff and students?
Since the university campuses closed in the Kingdom, AUBH moved to distance learning seamlessly, without missing a day of class. I’m pleased that we have demonstrated the ability and desire to adapt and try new teaching and learning methodologies in these unusual times. We had technologically advanced tools already in place before the pandemic, and this allowed for a quick transition to an online modality.
We were also able to provide our students with online exams using ProctorU. AUBH is the first university in Bahrain to use this US-based, AI-enabled, secure, online assessment platform which protects the integrity of online testing. Finally, our staff and students were united through virtual assemblies using Microsoft Teams, a platform that can accommodate up to 5,000 simultaneous participants.
What are your plans for when the education sector reopens? Will this experience change the way education is provided and how will extracurricular activities be affected?
We can’t wait to welcome AUBH students back on campus! Having said that, safety of staff and students is our first priority. We have been sanitising the campus regularly and are currently working on plans for socially-distanced classrooms and activities as we adjust to the new COVID-19 reality. We will also employ our innovative technology solutions to host hybrid classroom settings, offering students the choice to join class in-person and/or online, whatever works best for them individually.
What is the status of applications for the new academic year?
This is an unprecedented time for universities. The winter/spring term has been modified or cancelled completely. Exams have been disrupted. Many international students at universities across the globe have returned to their home countries with no idea when it will be safe to venture back and continue with their academic plans. We understand and are contemplating possible solutions. We are creatively thinking of ways our American-style, flexible learning format can assist students on either a temporary or permanent basis. We are currently evaluating applications for both new and transfer students, some even pending required documents, so we can provide options for students who are eager to return to class. AUBH is a Cambridge English testing centre and has opened the Linguaskill assessment to the community to support students who wish to take the test as an alternative to the IELTS and other English proficiency tests. Students can now apply to take the Linguaskill test on our secure, AI-enabled proctoring platform, ProctorU. For students who came back from abroad, we are exploring solutions for study in Bahrain with the possibility of earning transfer credit when – or if – they decide to return to their universities outside of their home countries.
How can people register for the Linguaskill test, apply or transfer to AUBH, or find out further information about academic offerings?
Please visit our website, www.aubh.edu.bh, and follow AUBH’s social media channels. Our dedicated admissions team is also hosting virtual admission sessions to take students throughout the application process. To book a meeting, please email [email protected] or call 77 999-997.
