When the pandemic struck, teachers and students have had to shift to full-time e-learning in a snap, but private schools in Dubai have proven that they can provide top-notch education regardless of where classes take place – on campus or online.
Results of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority’s (KHDA) Distance Learning Evaluation (DLE) have shown that out of 209 schools, 67 per cent were found offering ‘developed’ e-learning programmes.
The DLE classifies schools’ proficiency at providing distance learning as ‘developed’, ‘partially developed’, or ‘not developed’. And only one per cent – or one school’s provision – was ‘not developed’. The rest, 32 per cent, got a ‘partially developed’ result after the assessment.
Every school rated ‘outstanding’ or ‘very good’ by the Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau in the 2018-19 academic year was found to offer ‘developed’ distance learning. Eighty per cent of schools rated ‘good’ and 26 per cent of those rated ‘acceptable’ also offered ‘developed’ e-learning provisions.
These evaluations were based on three main areas: how well students were learning and how well their wellbeing was safeguarded; how well teachers were teaching and monitoring students’ learning; and how well school leaders were managing students’ learning across the school.
Each school’s five-hour evaluation was carried out through discussions with school leaders, review of students’ work, observation of online lessons, and feedback from parents, students and teachers.
Dr Abdulla Al Karam, director-general of the KHDA, said: “Earlier this year, school leaders, teachers, parents and students in Dubai had to respond very quickly to a completely new way of teaching and learning. They’ve shown great resilience, commitment and love during this period, and we’re grateful for their effort.
“The DLE was put in place to give us a common language and measure to talk about the quality of distance education. Because schools will provide options of face-to-face and distance learning next academic year, the DLE will help parents get a complete picture of the quality of education their children are receiving, and will help schools to provide even better quality learning, no matter where it takes place.”
© Khaleej Times
Twitter