e-Learning at School of Pharmacy: A Part of Making Learning Enjoyable

IMU’s School of Pharmacy (SOP) staff innovative learning and teaching practices based on e-learning and Technology-Enhanced Learning (TEL) provide learners a distinct space that makes the learning experience more enjoyable. SOP faculty continuously explore new possibilities to inspire, and transform learning process to empower students’ potential. Students are open to access a diverse range of learning innovations at anytime, anywhere seamlessly. Another advantage of e-learning is the opportunity it carries for the personalised learning through the expansion of learning opportunities.

View OUR FACULTY E-LEARNING INNOVATION PROJECTS

OUR STAFF E-LEARNING ACHIEVEMENTS

School of Pharmacy educators focuses on development of e-learning innovations for the digital transformation and enhance students learning experience and provide opportunities for personalised learning as compared to traditional face-to-face classroom teaching. Our SOP academics’ e-learning innovation projects involving the development of online learning resources or TEL frameworks, have been recognised locally and internationally with a number of awards and medals.

The IMU Achievement Award in e-Learning annually recognises three best E-learning innovation projects based on project showcase competition among all the faculties, schools and campuses of IMU.

• Dr Vasudeva Rao Avupati (Project Leader, Pharm Chem Dept) and Team: Jazihan Binti Mahat (E-Learn Dept) has been awarded IMU Achievement Award 2018 in E-learning for the second-best e-learning innovation project titled “Formative Assessment via. Mobile Engagement (FAME)”.
• Dr Ho Ket Li (Project Leader, Life Sci Dept) and Team: Jazihan Binti Mahat (E-Learn Dept), Fareeza Marican Bt Abu Backer Maricar (E-Learn Dept), has been awarded IMU Achievement Award 2018 in E-learning for the third best e-learning innovation project titled “Developing Competency Mapping Mechanism to Enable Personalised Learning”.
• Dr Mari Kannan Maharajan (Project Leader, Pharm Practice Dept) and Team: Dr Kingston Rajiah (Pharm Practice Dept), David Chong (Pharm Practice Dept), Zabibah binti Ibrahim (E-Learn Dept), has been awarded IMU Achievement Award 2017 in E-learning for the second best e-learning innovation project titled “Students Led Online Formative assessment (SLOFA)-enhanced student engagement and learning”.
• Dr Mari Kannan Maharajan (Project Leader, Pharm Practice Dept) and Team: Dr Kingston Rajiah (Pharm Practice Dept), Dr Juman Abdulelah Ali Al-Dujaili (Pharm Practice Dept), Hasnain Zafar Baloch (E-Learn Dept), Nurman Effendy Mohd Asmuni (E-Learn Dept), has been awarded IMU Achievement Award 2016 in E-learning for the third best e-learning innovation project titled “Technology Enhanced Self-Assessment (TESA) using SWIVL in Teaching and Learning, Assessment and Research”.
• Dr Pran Kishore Deb (Project Leader, Pharm Chem Dept) and Team: Hasnain Zafar Baloch (E-Learn Dept), Prof Mallikarjuna Rao Pichika (Pharm Chem Dept), Dr Jeevathayaparan Sithamparappillai (Biomed Sci Dept), Dr Thirumurugan Rathinasabapathy (Pharm Chem Dept), Gaurav Gupta (Pharm Tech Dept), has been awarded IMU Achievement Award 2014 in E-learning for the first best e-learning innovation project titled “WOWLA – Working Group Online Workshops, Lectures and Assessment”.
• Dr Wong Pei Se (Project Leader, Pharm Practice Dept) and Team: Sajesh K Veettil (Pharm Practice Dept), has been awarded IMU Achievement Award 2014 in E-learning for the third best e-learning innovation project titled “Online preparedness course for dialysis placement”.
• Dr Wong Pei Se (Project Leader, Pharm Practice Dept) has been awarded IMU Achievement Award 2013 in E-learning for the e-learning innovation project titled “Online clinical preparedness course”.

WINNER OF IMU LEARNING RESOURCES FESTIVAL (LRF)

The IMU LRF is an annual event involving Learning Resources Department (e-Learning, Library & Museum), held at IMU, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, faculty and student presenters from internal and external local, regional and international organisations participate in competitions and showcase their innovations. In conjunction with IMU LRF from 2019 onwards learning resources department has initiated International IIInovasi© Competition for educators. Our faculty at SOP also participate, share and showcase their learning innovation projects developed based on how they use technology in teaching practices to engage students and enhance their learning experience at IMU.

The IMU Learning Resources Festival 2020 was held during 3 Nov 2020 to 5 Nov 2020 on “Theme: Shaping the future of learning with emerging technologies”. In conjunction with this event an International IIInovasi© Competition 2020 has been organised, the following teams from School of Pharmacy have showcased their e-learning innovation projects and secured medals in this event.

• Dr Vasudeva Rao Avupati (Project Leader, Pharm Chem Dept) and Team: Prof Mallikarjuna Rao Pichika (Pharm Chem Dept), Dr Manisha Pandey (Pharm Tech Dept), Dr Rohit Kumar Verma (Pharm Practice Dept), Dr Lim Lay Cheng (Life Sciences Dept), A/Prof Mohd Zulkefeli bin Mat Jusoh (Pharm Chem Dept), Fareeza Marican Bt Abu Backer Maricar (E-Learn Dept) has secured GOLD MEDAL for the innovative e-learning project titled “Flip 180^o : The Partially Flipped Classroom Model”.
• Dr Anil Tumkur Mruthyunjaya (Project Leader, Pharm Practice Dept) and Team: Dr Pravinkumar Vishwanath Ingle (Pharm Practice Dept), Dr Wong Pei Se (Pharm Practice Dept), Lee Mun Sun (Pharm Practice Dept), Chong Chin Pin (Pharm Practice Dept) has secured SILVER MEDAL for the innovative e-learning project titled “Creative Virtual OSCE amide the Covid-19 Pandemic”.
• Dr Manisha Pandey (Project Leader, Pharm Tech Dept) and Team: Hasnain Zafar Baloch (E-Learn Dept), Dr Vasudeva Rao Avupati (Pharm Chem Dept), Dr Lim Wei Meng (Pharm Tech Dept), Dr Hira Choudhury (Pharm Tech Dept), Dr Rohit Kumar Verma (Pharm Practice Dept), Dr Subrat Kumar Bhattamisra (Life Sciences Dept) has secured SILVER MEDAL for the innovative e-learning project titled “Development of e-data interpretation tool for laboratory instruments: A step toward technology-enhanced learning”.
• Dr Hira Choudhury (Project Leader, Pharm Tech Dept) and Team: Hasnain Zafar Baloch (E-Learn Dept), Muhammad Aswandi (E-Learn Dept), Dr Manisha Pandey (Pharm Tech Dept), Dr Rohit Kumar Verma (Pharm Practice Dept) has secured BRONZE for the innovative e-learning project titled “Development of online cosmeceutical module: A step toward extending the boundaries for learning”.
• Dr Mari Kannan Maharajan (Project Leader, Pharm Practice Dept) and Team: Dr Kingston Rajiah (Pharm Practice Dept), Hasnain Zafar Baloch has secured BRONZE MEDAL for the innovative e-learning project titled “Engage and Empower Students through Social Interaction and Connected Learning (EESICL)”.
• Dr Kingston Rajiah (Project Leader, Pharm Practice Dept) and Team: Dr Mari Kannan Maharajan (Pharm Practice Dept) has secured BRONZE MEDAL for the innovative e-learning project titled “Keep Learning through Integrated and Collaborative Peer Assisted Learning (KLIC-PAL) Using Blended Learning”.

The IMU Learning Resources Festival 2019 was held during 09 Oct 2019 to 10 Oct 2019 on “Theme: Personalised Learning”. In conjunction with this event an International IIInovasi© Competition 2019 has been organised, the following teams from School of Pharmacy have showcased their e-learning innovation projects and secured medals in this event.

• Dr Jithendra Panneerselvam (Project Leader, Pharm Tech Dept) and Team: Dr Thiagarajan Madheswaran (Pharm Tech Dept), Dr Manisha Pandey (Pharm Tech Dept), Kingston Rajiah (Pharm Practice Dept), Fareeza Marican Bt Abu Backer (E-Learn Dept),  Mohd Fadzil Bin Zainal Anuar (E-Learn Dept), Hasnain Zafar Baloch has secured GOLD MEDAL for the innovative e-learning project titled “Augmented reality, a tool for enhanced learning about medical devices (Syringes and needles).”.
• Dr Vasudeva Rao Avupati (Project Leader, Pharm Chem Dept) and Team: Prof Mallikarjuna Rao Pichika (Pharm Chem Dept), A/Prof Mohd Zulkefeli (Pharm Chem Dept), A/Prof Kang Yew Beng (Pharm Chem Dept), Hasnain Zafar Baloch (E-Learn Dept), Muhammad Aswandi (E-Learn Dept), Nazrul Aizat (E-Learn Dept) has secured GOLD MEDAL for the innovative e-learning project titled “Virtual Innovations via. Simulations Training and Assessment (VISTA): Adapting IR 4.0 competencies to foster new medicine development skills among IMU School of Pharmacy graduates”.
• Dr Anil Tumkur Mruthyunjaya (Project Leader, Pharm Practice Dept) and Team: Dr Pravinkumar Vishwanath Ingle (Pharm Practice Dept), Dr Wong Pei Se (Pharm Practice Dept), has secured SILVER MEDAL for the innovative e-learning project titled “Production of videos tailored for BPharm (Hons) communication skills training”.
• Dr Manisha Pandey (Project Leader, Pharm Tech Dept) and Team: Hasnain Zafar Baloch (E-Learn Dept), Mohd Fadzil Bin Zainal Anuar (E-Learn Dept), Dr Vasudeva Rao Avupati (Pharm Chem Dept), Dr Lim Wei Meng (Pharm Tech Dept), Dr Hira Choudhury (Pharm Tech Dept), Rohit Kumar Verma (Pharm Practice Dept), Norbazlin Binti Md Marham (Research Labs), Wan Norshima Abdul Malek (Research Labs), Tang Lai Yong (Multi-Disciplinary Laboratories), Leong Mei Yuan (Multi-Disciplinary Laboratories), Ranessh Dorairaj (Multi-Disciplinary Laboratories) has secured SILVER MEDAL for the innovative e-learning project titled “Development of e-demonstration tool for laboratory instruments operation: A step toward technology enhanced learning”.
• Dr Hira Choudhury (Project Leader, Pharm Tech Dept) and Team: Hasnain Zafar Baloch (E-Learn Dept), Nurman Effendy Mohd Asmuni (E-Learn Dept), Dr Manisha Pandey (Pharm Tech Dept), Rohit Kumar Verma (Pharm Chem Dept), Dr Thiagarajan Madheswaran (Pharm Tech Dept), Dr Vasudeva Rao Avupati (Pharm Chem Dept) has secured SILVER MEDAL for the innovative e-learning project titled “E- Model industry Concept video sessions: A step toward extending the boundaries for learning”.
• Dr Vasudeva Rao Avupati (Project Leader, Pharm Chem Dept) and Team: Prof Mallikarjuna Rao Pichika (Pharm Chem Dept), A/Prof Mohd Zulkefeli (Pharm Chem Dept), A/Prof Kang Yew Beng (Pharm Chem Dept), Hasnain Zafar Baloch (E-Learn Dept), Muhammad Aswandi (E-Learn Dept), Nazrul Aizat (E-Learn Dept) has secured SILVER MEDAL for the innovative e-learning project titled “integrated Open Source Learning & Engagement (iOSLE): A Blended Learning Framework that Facilitate Student’s Personalized Learning at IMU School of Pharmacy”.

The IMU Learning Resources Festival 2018 was held during 09 Oct 2018 to 11 Oct 2018 on “Theme: Education 4.0”. The following e-learning innovation projects from School of Pharmacy have secured awards in this event competitions.

• Dr Vasudeva Rao Avupati (Project Leader, Pharm Chem Dept) and Team: Jazihan Binti Mahat (E-Learn Dept) has been awarded second best showcase prize for the e-learning innovation project titled “Formative Assessment via Mobile Engagement (FAME): A Strategy to Enhance Students’ Learning Experience in Medicinal Chemistry”.
• Dr Ho Ket Li (Project Leader, Life Sci Dept) and Team: Jazihan Binti Mahat (E-Learn Dept), Fareeza Marican Bt Abu Backer Maricar (E-Learn Dept), has been awarded third best showcase prize for the e-learning innovation project titled “Developing Competency Mapping Mechanism to Enable Personalised Learning”.

The IMU Learning Resources Festival 2017 was held during 18 Sep 2017 to 20 Sep 2017 on “Ubiquitous Learning”. The following e-learning innovation projects from School of Pharmacy have secured awards in this event competitions.

• Dr Mari Kannan Maharajan (Project Leader, Pharm Practice Dept) and Team: Dr Kingston Rajiah (Pharm Practice Dept), Mr. David Chong (Pharm Practice Dept), Zabibah binti Ibrahim (E-Learn Dept), has been awarded second best showcase prize for the e-learning innovation project titled “Students Led Online Formative assessment (SLOFA)-enhanced student engagement and learning”.

The IMU Learning Resources Festival 2016 was held during 31 Oct 2016 to 1 Nov 2016 on “Using Technology to Design Great Learning Experiences”. The following e-learning innovation projects from School of Pharmacy have secured awards in this event competitions.

• Dr Mari Kannan Maharajan (Project Leader, Pharm Practice Dept) and Team: Dr Kingston Rajiah (Pharm Practice Dept), Dr Juman Abdulelah Ali Al-Dujaili (Pharm Practice Dept), Hasnain Zafar Baloch (E-Learn Dept), Nurman Effendy Mohd Asmuni (E-Learn Dept) has been awarded third best showcase prize for the e-learning innovation project titled “Technology Enhanced Self-Assessment (TESA) using SWIVL in Teaching and Learning, Assessment and Research”.

The IMU Learning Resources Festival 2014 was held during 10 Nov 2014 to 12 Nov 2014 on “Transforming Health Professional Education (HPE) Through Educational Technology”. The following e-learning innovation projects from School of Pharmacy have secured awards in this event competitions.

• Dr Pran Kishore Deb (Project Leader, Pharm Chem Dept) and Team: Hasnain Zafar Baloch (E-Learn Dept), Prof Mallikarjuna Rao Pichika (Pharm Chem Dept), Dr Jeevathayaparan Sithamparappillai (Biomed Sci Dept), Dr Thirumurugan Rathinasabapathy (Pharm Chem Dept), Gaurav Gupta (Pharm Tech Dept), has been awarded first best showcase prize for the e-learning innovation project titled “WOWLA – Working Group Online Workshops, Lectures and Assessment”.
• Dr Wong Pei Se (Project Leader, Pharm Practice Dept) and Team: Sajesh K Veettil (Pharm Practice Dept), has been awarded third best showcase prize for the e-learning innovation project titled “Online preparedness course for dialysis placement”.

E-LEARNING INITIATIVES

Our E-Learning team, Dr Vasudeva Rao Avupati (E-Learning Lead and Coordinator-Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department), Dr Manisha Pandey (Coordinator-Pharmaceutical Technology Department), Dr Lim Lay Cheng (Coordinator-Life Sciences Department) and Dr Rohit Kumar Verma (Coordinator-Pharm Practice Department) initiated School of Pharmacy’s virtual events for the first time in 2020 through a series of free educational webinars towards community education as a great opportunity for global teachers and students to upgrade their digital competencies.

Our free educational webinars provide registered participants with invaluable information on topics related to pharmacy education, e-learning tools, and cover a wide spectrum of subjects, including blending teaching and learning methods, online student engagement tools, and best practices of the online collaborative learning which supports an individual continuous learning plan. The virtual event is organised by a School of Pharmacy teams, presented by competent experts in the area and provide participants the chance to interact with panel speakers in our live question and answer sessions.

• Dr Vasudeva Rao Avupati (Organising Chair, Pharm Chem Dept) and Team: Dr Cheong Siew Lee (Co-organiser, Pharm Chem Dept), A/Prof Ng Chew Hee (Organising Secretary, Pharm Chem Dept) organised an international educational webinar tilted “ChemDraw: An Instructional Training to Beginners” held on 28 July 2020, 4-5 pm (Malaysia Time). The event has been facilitated by resource persons A/Prof Mohd Zulkefeli (Dean, School of Pharmacy, IMU) and Prof Mallikarjuna Rao Pichika (Associate Dean-Research, School of Pharmacy, IMU), Malaysia.

• A/Prof Ng Chew Hee (Organising Chair, Pharm Chem Dept) and Team: Dr Vasudeva Rao Avupati (Co-organiser, Pharm Chem Dept), Dr Cheong Siew Lee (Organising Secretary, Pharm Chem Dept) organised an international educational webinar tilted “Obtaining, Manipulating & Making Sense of Data Using Excel” held on 25 August 2020, 3-4.30 pm (Malaysia Time). The event has been facilitated by an eminent speaker Prof Sharifuddin Bin Md Zain, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Malaysia.

• E-Learning Day 2020, a two day online virtual event has been organised by International Medical University (IMU) School of Pharmacy E-Learning team on “Theme: Technology-Enhanced Teaching and Learning Strategies” for the first time held during 7-8 September 2020. In conjunction with this event, an international online oral presentation competitions “ASK THE STUDENTS” for students and “ASK THE EXPERTS” for teachers, with 5-minites-5-Slides concept were organised. Participants from local and international organisations participated and presented their innovative ideas to promote knowledge sharing, exchange and collaboration. A dedicated team of members Prof Ong Chin Eng (Convener, Associate Dean-Academic, School of Pharmacy, IMU) Dr Vasudeva Rao Avupati (Organising Chair, E-Learning Lead), Dr Manisha Pandey (Organising Member, Pharm Tech Dept), Dr Lim Lay Cheng (Organising Member, Pharm Chem Dept), Kit Kay Mak (Organising Member, Pharm Chem Dept) and Dr Rohit Kumar Verma (Organising Member, Pharm Practice Dept) were involved in organising the event. The event had a very vibrant set of quality keynote sessions in the technical programme which includes on 07 Sep 2020 (Day 1) titled “Online Open Educational Resources” facilitated by an eminent speaker Hasnain Zafar Baloch, Manager, eLearning, Learning Resources, IMU, Malaysia and on 08 Sep 2020 (Day 2) titled “Best Practices for Online Learning in Higher Education Institutions” facilitated by a distinguished speaker A/Prof Nilesh Kumar Mitra, Director, Learning Resources, Associate Dean, Technology Enhanced Learning, IMU. The opening ceremony of this two-day virtual event has been officiated by A/Prof Mohd Zulkefeli, Dean, School of Pharmacy, IMU and the closing ceremony of the event was solemnized by Prof Ong Chin Eng, Associate Dean-Academic, School of Pharmacy, IMU. We had about 100 participant registrations, all registered participants are awarded with an E-Certificate of appreciation and all competition winners are awarded E-certification of Achievement. Participants were inspired to explore, share and showcase the best ideas and global practices in E-Learning from higher education institutions all over the world.

• The Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, School of Pharmacy, IMU in collaboration with Malaysian Young Chemists Network (MYCN) has organized a free online webinar on “Experience of a Chemist in Metrology” by an expert ChM Li Hui Ling, Chemical Metrology Division, Department of Chemistry Malaysia on 22 Sep 2020, 30 to 3.30 pm (Malaysia Time). The event was chaired and hosted by A/Prof Ng Chew Hee (Pharm Chem Dept, School of Pharmacy IMU) and Dr Cheong Siew Lee (Pharm Chem Dept, School of Pharmacy IMU).

• The Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, School of Pharmacy, IMU in collaboration with Malaysian Young Chemists Network (MYCN) has organized a free online webinar on “Latent Success: How Diligence and Enthusiasm Paid off ” by an expert Datin Dr Zuriati Zakaria, Vice-President, Malaysian Institute of Chemistry (IKM) on 19 Oct 2020, 10 am- 11 am (Malaysia Time). The event was hosted by A/Prof Ng Chew Hee (Pharm Chem Dept, School of Pharmacy IMU) and Dr Cheong Siew Lee (Pharm Chem Dept, School of Pharmacy IMU).

• The Pharmaceutical Technology Department, School of Pharmacy, IMU has organised a free online webinar cum Mini-Symposium on “Recent Advancement in Miniaturized Drug Delivery System” by an expert speakers Prof Teerapol Srichana, Prince of Songkla University, Drug Delivery System Excellence Center, Songkla, Thailand and Siti Rahma Esa, Engineer, Material Analysis Lab, MIMOS Berhad Malaysia on 28 Oct 2020, 11 am- 5.30 pm (Malaysia Time). The event was hosted by A/Prof Mohd Zulkefeli (Dean, School of Pharmacy, IMU) and moderated by Dr Jithendra Panneerselvam (Pharm Tech Dept, School of Pharmacy IMU).

• Dr Cheong Siew Lee (Organising Chair, Pharm Chem Dept) and Team: A/Prof Ng Chew Hee (Co-organiser, Pharm Chem Dept), Dr Vasudeva Rao Avupati (Organising Secretary, Pharm Chem Dept) organised an international educational webinar tilted “Student Engagement Tools for Blended Learning” held on 29 October 2020, 3-4 pm (Malaysia Time). The event has been facilitated by an eminent speaker Hasnain Zafar Baloch, Manager, eLearning, Learning Resources, International Medical University (IMU), Malaysia. 

• Dr Chong Chin Pin (Pharm Practice Dept) participated as a speaker in a public health webinar on topic “The Danger of 3 Highs on Your Eyes” organised by IMU in collaboration with VISTA Eye Specialist Centre on 7 Nov 2020.

• The Pharmaceutical Technology Department, School of Pharmacy, IMU had organised a free online webinar on “Challenges Faced by Pharma Manufacturers – Meeting Regulator’s Expectations” by an expert Dr Khalid Ahmad Sheikh, Senior Teaching Fellow, School of Pharmacy, University College London, United Kingdom on 19 Nov 2020, 1- 2.15 pm (Malaysia Time). The event was hosted by A/Prof Mohd Zulkefeli (Dean, School of Pharmacy, IMU) and moderated by Dr Farrukh Zeeshan (Pharm Tech Dept, School of Pharmacy IMU).
• The first ICS-IKM (Industrial Chemistry Section – Institut Kimia Malaysia)’s webinar was organised on topic titled “New Opportunities amid Covid-19: Digitalization, 5G & Rubber Industry” in collaboration with IMU, TARUC, XMUM on 20 Nov 2020, 4-5.30 pm (Malaysia Time). A team of four members from IMU School of Pharmacy, Pharm Chem Dept, A/Prof Ng Chew Hee (ICS Member), A/Prof Ooi Ing Hong (ICS Member), Dr Cheong Siew Lee and Dr Vasudeva Rao Avupati contributed to the event as an organising committee members. This event facilitated by two eminent speakers Siti Hawa Sulong, Director, Economy, Licensing & Enforcement Division, Malaysian Rubber Board and Hans Chang, Manager, Channels & Alliances, Alibaba Cloud (M) Sdn Bhd.
• The Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, School of Pharmacy, IMU organised a free online webinar on “Utilisation of ChemDraw Professional for Learning Chemistry & its Application in drawing Scientific Illustration” by A/Prof Dr Mohd Zulkefeli, Dean, School of Pharmacy, IMU, Malaysia on 2 Dec 2020, 30 to 3.30 pm (Malaysia Time). The event was moderated by Dr Lee Choy Sin (Head, Pharm Chem Dept, School of Pharmacy IMU). In conjunction with this webinar, the BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Chemistry Programme Director, Dr Ng Sook Han, delivered her talk on the insights of the programme. In addition, Kit-Kay Mak, Alumna from BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Chemistry Programme has shared her experience in Drug Discovery research.