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Umma app launches Muslim e-learning platform uClass
uClass aims to give an opportunity for umma users to study various topics on Islam and the daily lifestyle.
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Users of Muslim app umma can join e-learning platform uClass to learn about Islam, including the Quran. (Shutterstock/Mrs_ya)
E-learning can be one way to improve oneself without having to physically attend a class because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It could also be regarded as a tool to enhance the quality of education in Indonesia, in regard to the country’s vision for 2045 of being a developed country, as shared by businessman and former Jakarta deputy governor Sandiaga Uno at the launch of of uClass by Muslim app umma on Sept. 8.
Sandi argued that human capital development would play a crucial role in fulfilling the vision and that e-learning could help to reach the goal as it is mostly accessible to everyone. “It also enables quick and massive learning evaluation,” Sandi said, adding that e-learning was relevant to this era and the future.
uClass by umma is said to be Indonesia’s first Muslim e-learning platform.
“uClass aims to give an opportunity for umma’s users to study various topics on Islam and the daily lifestyle,” said umma’s CEO and cofounder Indra Wiralaksmana. “Users can access a wide variety of classes, starting from Quran-reading classes to practical classes that can be implemented in their lives. We encourage our users to be better Muslims.”
To access uClass, users are required to download the latest version of umma. uClass currently features 60 classes covering numerous topics, such as the history of the Quran, parenting, entrepreneurship and taaruf (an Islamic process through which couples get to know each other), among others. Users, including children, can also learn about the religion from basic to advanced levels.
Classes are presented via livestream or video-on-demand format, with prices that range from Rp 30,000 (US$2.02) to Rp 300,000. umma is currently offering a special package at Rp 100,000 for all classes in September.
The app features a discussion section where participants can interact with content creators, while creators can upload their learning materials and set their “classrooms”. “We’re open for ustad and ustadzah [Islamic teachers] who want to share their knowledge or content here,” said Indra.
Indra said that the idea for uClass came during this year’s holy month of Ramadan when they launched a livestreaming section for ustad and ustadzah to deliver their sermons and kajian (Islamic learning forum). “We received positive responses from ustad, ustadzah and our users,” said Indra. “One of our kajian has been viewed by more than 10,000 users on various islands, including Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan and Sulawesi.”
Launched in 2019, umma had been downloaded by over 9 million users in Indonesia as of August. Alongside uClass, the app features shalat (prayer) schedules, adzan (call to prayer) notifications, GPS-based kiblat (direction of Muslim prayer), the Quran and its translation, news and a calendar. (wng)
