By Libertina Widyamurti Ambari

Jakarta, (ANTARA News) - State University of Malang (UM) and Saudi Electronic University (SEU) will establish cooperation in the field of online Arabic learning, marked by the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MoA) scheduled on Sept 28.

In a statement received by Antara here, Tuesday, UM Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmad Rofiuddin noted that this cooperation was in line with learning innovation programs being promoted by UM as a Learning University.

"This program is useful for UM, in general, and for the study program of Arabic Language Education, in particular," he remarked.

The rector added that the online learning program will improve the quality of graduates and hone the ability to adapt to scientific and technological changes of the university.

The program also strengthens the preparation of the university in developing online-offline learning and transdisciplinary programs.

The signing of the MoA will be carried out by the Saudi Electronic University along with 45 institutions from across Indonesia. The signing is initiated by Mudughar Ittihad al Lughah al Arabiyah, which is the Arabic Teachers Association of Indonesia (IMLA).

According to Chairman of IMLA Prof. Dr. Imam Asrori, who is also a lecturer at the Arabic Language Education study, the learning program provides online Arabic learning for all Indonesian people.

"Thanks to Chancellor of the Saudi Electronic University Prof. Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Mosa for cooperation on online Arabic learning program and the Arabic language standard test with institutions in Indonesia," Imam Asrori noted.

He added that the online program is beneficial for the development of Arabic learning in Indonesia, and this program is offered free of charge.

The program that will be granted by SEU offers several advantages, including the program being implemented online and comprising six main levels, 16 sub-levels, which refer to the Common European Framework of References for Languages (CEFR).

The online Arabic language learning program comprises 796 interactive videos, 12 thousand audio files, and 6,320 learning images, as well as thousands of practical exercises.

A test is offered at the end of each of the three sub-levels, while the Arabic standard test is held at the end of the program.

Head of the UM`s Arabic Literature Department, Dr. Hanik Mahliatussikah, stated that after the signing of the MoA are outlined a training and raising awareness of the program in which 135 people from 45 institutions will participate.

"UM is committed to implementing the digital-based program. This program supports learning innovation programs that are being developed and promoted by UM," Mahliatussikah added.

Editing by Andi Abdussalam

Reporter: Antara
Editor: Suharto
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