The University offers learners a quality learning environment, even planning to set up “talking computers” and providing examinations in Braille for visually-impaired learners.
He may be visually impaired but Hishamudin Wahab, 41, has never lost sight of his vision in life. He does not wallow in self-pity but instead considers his physical limitation a challenge for him to strive for greater things in life.
Hishamudin, who graduated with a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary Education) at the recent 10th Convocation, joined the teaching profession a decade ago. He is also a professional masseur and had operated a massage centre in Kuala Lumpur.
In between teaching and running his business, Hishamudin enrolled in the bachelor’s degree programme at OUM in 2007, with full sponsorship from the Ministry of Education.
Now a teacher at Sekolah Rendah Titiwangsa, Kuala Lumpur, Hishamudin feels that studying has enabled him to explore new areas of knowledge and advance professionally. Although his journey was fraught with difficulties, he was determined to complete his studies.
“It was difficult at first because facilities for the blind were limited then. However, the University resolved my problems. It came up with audio books and materials for every module that I signed up for, making studying a lot easier,” he says.
The University’s caring side also showed itself when it installed special software in computers to allow visually-impaired learners to tap into technology. “Thanks to OUM, we can make use of technology in our learning. We use the Internet a lot, from sourcing for learning materials to discussions with peers and tutors.”
An active sportsman, Hishamudin has represented the Kuala Lumpur lawn bowl contingent at the Malaysian Paralympic Tournament twice; the latest was in Melaka last year, where he won third place.
He may be visually impaired but Hishamudin Wahab, 41, has never lost sight of his vision in life. He does not wallow in self-pity but instead considers his physical limitation a challenge for him to strive for greater things in life.
Hishamudin, who graduated with a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary Education) at the recent 10th Convocation, joined the teaching profession a decade ago. He is also a professional masseur and had operated a massage centre in Kuala Lumpur.
In between teaching and running his business, Hishamudin enrolled in the bachelor’s degree programme at OUM in 2007, with full sponsorship from the Ministry of Education.
Now a teacher at Sekolah Rendah Titiwangsa, Kuala Lumpur, Hishamudin feels that studying has enabled him to explore new areas of knowledge and advance professionally. Although his journey was fraught with difficulties, he was determined to complete his studies.
“It was difficult at first because facilities for the blind were limited then. However, the University resolved my problems. It came up with audio books and materials for every module that I signed up for, making studying a lot easier,” he says.
The University’s caring side also showed itself when it installed special software in computers to allow visually-impaired learners to tap into technology. “Thanks to OUM, we can make use of technology in our learning. We use the Internet a lot, from sourcing for learning materials to discussions with peers and tutors.”
An active sportsman, Hishamudin has represented the Kuala Lumpur lawn bowl contingent at the Malaysian Paralympic Tournament twice; the latest was in Melaka last year, where he won third place.
Two visually-impaired teachers in the SMP programme sitting for their examinations using Braille
A fervent believer in lifelong learning, Hishamudin is not ready to end his academic journey just yet and is already planning to pursue a master’s degree.
He is eligible for a 75 per cent fee discount, as part of the University’s initiative to encourage the physically challenged to take up higher education. Senior citizens are also entitled to the fee discount.
The learner-centred University takes the welfare of its learners seriously. It strives to provide the facilities and tools necessary for learning to ensure that learners enjoy a positive learning environment.
Hishamudin receiving his scroll from Pro Chancellor Tan Sri Azman Hashim at the recent convocation
Recently, two visually-impaired teachers enrolled in the Bachelor of Teaching (Sarjana Muda Pengajaran or SMP) programme sat for their examinations using Braille.
The duo, learners at the Johor Learning Centre, will soon be provided with “talking computers” to enable them to easily access reading materials through the computer.
“These are some of the things we do for our learners,” says Johor Learning Centre director Abdul Rahim Mohamed Amin.
As an open and distance learning institution, the University is constantly looking at ways to ease the passage for learners to realise their academic ambitions through innovative delivery of programmes and excellent support services as they are mostly working people who have to juggle multiple commitments
RESOURCES FROM OPEN UNIVERSITY
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