ismail@khaleejtimes.com Filed on March 4, 2020 | Last updated on March 4, 2020 at 07.10 pm

Coronavirus in UAE: How schools, universities plan to cope with missed classes

For those in government schools, the 'actual break' from school is only two weeks long starting Sunday, March 8.

While all UAE schools and universities are set to close for an early four-week spring break as part of Covid-19 precautions, this doesn't mean classes will be missed and lessons will be skipped. The Ministry of Education (MoE) ensures that academics will remain on track - via distance learning.

So, how will it work?

For those in government schools, the 'actual break' from school is only two weeks long starting Sunday. Then, by March 22 to April 5, students will have to take their classes online. They may access e-learning programmes on their personal computers, tablets or mobile phones through the MoE Smart Portal.

Private schools, colleges and universities, on the other hand, were granted the freedom to apply the procedures they deemed necessary to guarantee that students will continue learning while they are at home.

The ministry said the decision takes into consideration the interests of students and ensures that the distance education initiative is properly applied.

"This decision was made in the best interest of the health and safety of students and the wider community at schools and universities," the MoE said. During the break, the ministry will conduct massive operations to sterilise school and university facilities, as well as buses.

50,000 computers, laptops

On Wednesday, the ministry also announced that it started distributing 50,000 computers and laptops to

Grades 5 to 9 students in 151 government schools across the UAE. The move aimed to support the students in their distance learning programme.

Earlier this week, the MoE launched a pilot stage of the e-learning initiative through its website for all government schools nationwide.

The self-learning programme, according to the ministry, was part of their plans to continue the learning process during times of natural crises and disasters.

Through e-learning, students will be provided with lessons in the Arabic language, English, maths, physics and science. E-learning will help public schools complete their syllabi and ensure that student learning will continue beyond the classroom.

Roles of parents, teachers

Parents, students, teachers and administrators all have roles to play to make e-learning work.

Teachers are responsible for preparing class timetables, lesson plans and study materials for the e-learning programme. They must be able to develop content, facilitate discussions, and attend to students' questions.

Parents are urged to create an appropriate learning environment at home by providing their children with Internet services and devices, like computers, tablets, and smartphones.

Students, on the other hand, are obliged to commit to the public policy of using learning devices during the process. Distracting activities like snapping photos and web-browsing are prohibited.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD VIRTUAL LESSON

>It must be formulated in an interactive way

>An outline of the content is specified so a student gets a clear picture of what will be tackled

>Content is divided into sequences to make reviews easier

>A number of interactive features and activities are included to involve students in the learning process (group discussions, educational scenarios)

>Effective, downloadable visuals are a must for easy understanding of information

>It should have a feedback feature where students may ask questions and raise concerns

>Teaches must evaluate the session to ensure objectives are achieved

FOUR KEYS TO E-LEARNING'S SUCCESS

1-Students are obliged to commit to the public policy of using learning devices during the process. Distracting activities like snapping photos and web-browsing are prohibited

2-Teachers must prepare interactive and engaging lesson plans and study materials, as well as class timetables

3-Computer technology creates a simulated classroom experience and allows live feedback from students

4-Parents must set up an appropriate learning environment at home by providing their children with Internet services and devices, like computers, tablets, and smartphones

Education firm offers free access to e-platform

A global education company has offered to help the UAE in implementing its distance learning programme by providing free access to its online platform.

Emma Whale, vice-president for schools at Pearson Middle East, said: "Pearson will be offering free access to ActiveLearn, an online teaching and learning platform, across all primary and secondary subjects.

"The tool enables them to study at their own pace and level and receive instant targeted feedback to motivate them to learn independently, work out where they have gone wrong, try again and excel."

Teachers, on the other hand, will receive accurate reports and evidence of learning against lesson learning objectives, and then feedback to groups or individual student, which can be shared with parents over time, Whale said.

ismail@khaleejtimes.com