UAE rains: How schools make a switch to remote classes at a short notice

DUBAI: With heavy rains becoming a not-so-uncommon feature in the UAE in recent times, the ability to switch to remote operations at a short notice has become essential for the seamless functioning of schools.

Late Monday, as weathermen predicted heavy rains in the UAE until Wednesday, schools across the emirates were advised to go in for distance learning to ensure the safety of teachers and students. Across the board, it turns out, these entities had mechanisms in place to make the switch with relative ease.

According to the school managements, this has been possible because the hybrid model of working has become not only more relevant, but also more acceptable in the post Covid-19 era.

As Dinesh Kothari, who is Chairman of the British curriculum Victory Heights Primary School and South View School in Dubai and Managing Director of DPS Dubai, DPS Sharjah and DPS Ras Al Khaimah, explained, “During Covid-19, everyone adopted distance learning. This culture remained an integral part of the learning environment even after schools returned to in-person classes. IT and digital inputs became part and parcel of the teaching and learning process, whether it was for the purpose of communicating messages or for the lessons themselves. As such, instant connectivity is no longer a challenge - and neither is a sudden switch to remote classes.”

Kothari, who manages over 12,000 students across the four schools, said, “All our classes are capable of being run remotely. Students have their laptops or tablets and teachers too teach them digitally through a central server. Of course, remote classes can never be a 100 per cent substitute for in-person learning, but there is no significant loss to our students because there are enrichment classes and catch-up sessions that invariably follow.”

Michelle Thomas, Principal/CEO of Al Barsha National School, said, “The day posed some challenges for both teachers and students. Teachers had to adapt lesson plans and communicate effectively, while students navigated online platforms and potential distractions at home.”

A few private schools in Dubai commenced a little later during online classes on Tuesday, with few institutions permitting students to take additional breaks after each of their classes on that day.

DPS Principal and Director, Ms Rashmi Nandkeolyar said, “The system of online teaching was firmly and expertly established during Covid times. Now we use it as and when required. Today, students had an enriching experience learning in their virtual classroom. There was meaningful and joyful interaction. Our school prides itself in being agile when the situation demands.”