Coronavirus in UAE: Distance learning to continue until end of academic year

The distance education system in place as a preventive measure against the Covid-19 coronavirus will continue until the end of the academic year, the UAE Ministry of Education announced on Monday. The extension will be applicable across all schools and universities in the country.

More than a million students in public and private schools across the UAE began virtual classes on March 22. This came two weeks after the ministry suspended all classes. Schools used these two weeks (March 8-19) to train teachers, staff and parents to implement distance learning.

On Monday, the Ministry of Education said it is developing and introducing smart solutions and apps to ensure the continuity of the education process. “These smart solutions are accessible to all government and private education institutions nationwide,” said Dr Mona Al Dhahak, spokeswoman of the UAE Ministry of Education.

The ministry recently conducted a nationwide survey, which saw the participation of 185,000 students and parents. “The student assessment process shall be reviewed, developed and updated in view of this survey.”

Dr Al Dhahak said education is a priority for the country. “Education shall never come to a stop as affirmed by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.”