By Fazilat Abdulkhamidova
Professor Mohammed Bani Salameh who is currently a professor in College of Media and Mass Communication at the American University of the Emirates. The goal-oriented Prof. Salameh, has experience more than 17 years in research and teaching political science and international relations, shared his views on the remote teaching performance.
Is this your first remote teaching experience for students?
No, a year ago, before joining the AUE, I taught at Yarmouk University in Jordan. Due to the pandemic, without prior training, we transferred the physical classes to online teaching. By now I think I have enough distance teaching experience as this is my second year of online teaching.
What can you say about the advantages and disadvantages of distance learning for students?
Well, I believe each story has two sides. In terms of the advantages of online learning, students can learn new skills and they can rely on themselves. Among the disadvantages, it can be noted that during the exams, attempts to cheat on the part of some students are higher than in the face-to-face exams.
On the other hand, same advantages can be applied to professors and instructors as well because, as I mentioned, these are new skills for all of us and we can also develop our skills in distance learning. Moreover, I believe that the university conducts a lot of workshops to deal with disadvantages and to mitigate the negative impact of distance learning for both students and instructors.
What do you think online education will be successor to students or traditional education?
Well, I think we must now prepare for a hybrid learning approach where we will be delivering face-to-face teaching as well as distance learning. It is too early to evaluate because this is a new experiment and I think we can improve it, develop it and make a successful story.
But I prefer traditional face-to-face training because it is more effective for students.
How do you motivate students in the online environment? Have you found some methods to encourage students for online classes?
I always try to inspire and encourage students. But sometimes some students will enter the online class but will be busy with other things. To inspire them, I will lead a discussion on various topics and from time to time I will check they are following me or not and I will mention their names. In addition, when I sometimes raise questions, I give additional grades to those who answered, and students will be active and happy in participating in these discussions.
Do you have any wishes or advice for AUE students?
Well, I advise them distance learning as an opportunity, not as a challenge. From these opportunities, they should get the most benefit and move from problem to solution. In addition, during this difficult time, students must adjust to this new reality and must take it seriously. I wish all students the best in their studies and future careers. Thank you!
