Coronavirus: UAE ministry issues warning against low-cost online tuition offers

Dubai - The caution follows various advertisements on social media that have been circulating pertaining to cheaper available options for online education.

Don't be lured by low-cost tuition offers to enroll your children for online study at schools outside the UAE, as certificates issued by such schools will not be recognised, the Ministry of Education (MoE) has warned parents.
The caution follows various advertisements on social media that have been circulating pertaining to cheaper available options for online education by bodies that are not formally recognised.
Parents in the country have time and again been calling for reduced tuition fees, stating that the full school fees cannot be justified in a distance learning environment. The UAE closed schools across the country in March to prevent the spread of Covid-19, offering e-learning to pupils instead.
Local licensing, accreditation imperative

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) approved home-schooling group iCademy has also reaffirmed MoE's word of caution. The group averred it is important that parents know who they are enrolling their children with, when it comes to any form of online learning.
Cody Claver, General Manager, iCademy, Middle East, pointed out: "There are a lot of providers that are not recognised, nor accredited by a recognised accrediting body. Parents should ask about the teaching support and parental support that is being offered."
He further opined: "The importance of local licensing and national/international accreditation cannot be overstated. Parents need to conduct their due diligence. Local ministries of education are the right source to share with parents who is real and who is simply trying to capitalise on the current uncertainty in the market. It's the old adage, "you get what you pay for".
Cheap could prove deceptive
Meanwhile, education experts have also warned that parents should veer away from seemingly cheap offers that often prove to be deceptive.
Mark Ford, Principal, The English College, Dubai, said: "Whilst online study can often sound like an attractive financial option, it is important to realise and understand that it is very different and not a substitute for a real in-school experience. It will not offer many of the opportunities that in-school provision will.
In addition to its limitations, one has to be very discerning about the quality of online provision: to look at the qualifications, expertise and experience of those delivering online learning, in addition to understanding the quality assurance processes in place to monitor and maintain high quality provision."
Dr Vajahat Hussain, Amity Education Middle East CEO, said: "During these unpredictable times, it is important to be part of a school community that you trust. UAE-based schools have the resources to support children, and are also being consistently monitored by government authorities to ensure that learning is effective and children receive the best care."
He added: "Teachers have proven to be the real heroes, as they continue to find innovative and interactive ways to impart knowledge. As schools in the UAE prepare to open in September, parents can be assured that local schools will take every necessary precaution required to keep their children safe and healthy in an environment where their social, as well as academic skills, can continue to flourish."
nandini@khaleejtimes.com