UAE schools can opt for distance learning in new school year

Our Correspondent

Schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi can opt to continue e-learning in the new academic year starting in September, according to circulars sent by education regulators in the emirates. The previous school term in the UAE from March to June was carried out through distance learning in a bid to limit the COVID-19 outbreak.

In a recent circular sent to school principals, Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) said, “While face-to-face learning remains the preferred education model, we understand that different parents have different views, especially in the first phases of re-opening. As a temporary measure, schools can and should provide 100 per cent distance learning provision in the new academic year to parents who request it. This is intended to help ease parents and children into an eventual return to face-to-face learning.”

The Department of Education and Knowledge in Abu Dhabi (ADEK) has allowed its schools to opt for distance learning during the upcoming school term. It said: “Responding to a strong call from parents who prefer continuing distance learning for their children, the Adek has approved the option of full-time distance learning for the upcoming term. We have also dedicated a hotline which parents can use to report and address any concerns: 800-COMPLIANC(E) / 800-266754262.”

Adek had earlier announced that all schools will reopen in September and issued safety guidelines, including mandatory COVID-19 tests for all students, teachers and administrative staff before they return to campus.

The Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) had announced in late June that students can resume their studies next academic year in all private schools in the emirate following the preventive controls and requirements issued by the authorities.

But it asked parents to provide feedback on their preferences and concerns regarding sending their children back to school in September. An anonymous ‘Return to School’ survey from SPEA was distributed online by schools. It offered three different “delivery models” for classes in the coming year – full day, shift and blended delivery models. It also sought to understand household risk factors and the parent’s confidence in school’s ability/willingness to implement health and safety measures.

Many parents in Sharjah are still not comfortable with sending their kids back to the school campus over safety fears and prefers the remote learning method, Gulf Indians has learnt.