Photonics is the study of light and has several applications including LED, VR, holograms, high-speed internet and solar panels among other things
uae3 hours ago
Schools in Dubai have started devising concrete alternatives to on-campus learning, as several parents remain unsure of sending their children to classrooms after the summer break.
This also comes on the heels of a recent advisory from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), stating that once the academic year has started, "schools cannot choose to change the education model they are offering without prior approval".
Earlier this month, the KHDA released a 118-point circular, titled 'Protocols for the Reopening of Private Schools in Dubai', detailing the safety measures related to fighting the spread of Covid-19.
School heads contend that their ultimate goal is to provide the safest learning environment possible that also matches the needs of both parents and students.
"There are lots of parents who have expressed their reservation about sending their wards to schools for on-site learning," said Zubair Ahmad, head of operations at Springdales School Dubai.
For such students, online learning options will be made available, he said. "But we are open to welcoming those who are keen on returning to campus, under all safety guidelines that will be implemented."
A blended learning approach - a combination of online classes and classroom lectures - seems to be the way forward for a number of other schools.
Deepika Thapar Singh, CEO-principal of Credence High School, said: "Either live-streaming of on-campus classes or remote learning, both synchronous and asynchronous, will be provided to students whose parents are uncomfortable in sending their children to school."
Thapar said they plan to live-stream classes so that both students in school and at home can follow lessons at the same time. "This way, students at home get the 'feel' of being in class. Live-streamed instruction can also be recorded for students who need to view it later."
Institutions will also continue to provide training and support for their teachers to develop a learning environment that works best for everyone.
Feedback and polls
Sharafudeen Thanikatt, principal of Crescent English High School in Dubai, said: "We will review the distance learning timetable monthly to monitor stakeholder wellbeing, including workload and screen time."
A timetable for homework, assessment, and student feedback will also be set up for all phases, Thanikatt said.
In the interim, schools have also been conducting polls to gauge how many parents are comfortable with sending their children to schools in September. Based on that, institutions have been customising their reopening plans.
Annie Mathew, principal of Gulf Model School, said: "For those students who may be unable to attend school, alternate plans are in place. We will make sure that there is no disruption in learning. We have submitted a model for blended learning."
nandini@khaleejtimes.com
Photonics is the study of light and has several applications including LED, VR, holograms, high-speed internet and solar panels among other things
uae3 hours ago
A delegation from Egypt arrived in Israel on Friday hoping to revive the truce negotiations
mena3 hours ago
The decision aims to protect the safety and security of pilgrims
gulf4 hours ago
They have been carrying out rescue operations for the last four years, drawing on their extensive experience in saving people from desert terrain
uae4 hours ago
Dubai Amateur 17-year-old Oscar Craig continues to showcase his impressive form with third-round level par 72 at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
sports4 hours ago
The tragic incident led to the death of a number of innocent people from Yemen
mena5 hours ago
Alongside regional leaders, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will attend the meetings
world5 hours ago
Twice Grand Slam champion Alcaraz is set to make his Olympic debut while Nadal will be eyeing his third gold medal after wins in Beijing and Rio
sports5 hours ago