KU to implement ‘distance learning’ system
Dr Ali Al-Mutairi to head committee
KUWAIT CITY, May 21: Acting Chancellor of Kuwait University Dr Fayez Al-Dhufeiri has decided to form a committee on the “distance learning” system which will be headed by the Dean of Admission and Registration Dr Ali Al-Mutairi, reports Aljarida daily.
The committee shall set the necessary regulations and plan to implement distance learning system, which will be used during times when schools are interrupted similar to the current situation resultant from the COVID-19 crisis. A report on the results of the committee’s work will be referred to the acting chancellor of the university.
Members of the committee include Dr Abdullah Al-Mutawa from the Department of Computer Engineering as the Rapporteur, Acting Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr Ali Abdullah, Dr Khaled AlDhufeiri from the Department of Private Law, Dr Shamlan Al-Qanaei who will represent Kuwait University Faculty Association, Dr Salah Al-Najim from the Department of Arabic Language and Literature, and Director of the E-Learning Center Etimad Al-Kandari.
In this regard, Dr Al-Qenaei, the member of the Kuwait University Faculty Association, affirmed that the association was proactive in demanding the formation of a committee to implement distance learning at the university since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis .He indicated that the committee will consider the mechanism for implementing this system at the university if studies do not resume as scheduled on August 9, as well as lay out the teaching and evaluation mechanism of students.
Legal
In a press statement, Dr AlQenaei stated that the faculty members have legal concerns regarding the application of “distance learning”, as there must be guarantees for protecting them from legal accountability for anything that is raised during the lesson.
He said the association will present a number of suggestions that it deems necessary and appropriate, and can serve the members of the teaching staff and preserve their rights, adding that it will also suggest a number of names to the committee to benefit from their opinions.
Meanwhile, Professor of Curricula and Teaching Methods at the Faculty of Education Dr Abdullah Al-Failakawi said he finds it surprising that the Distance Learning System Committee formed in the university lacks any member from the College of Education, especially since there are more than 15 members specialized in this aspect in the college.
In addition, the Dean of College of Sharia and Islamic Studies Dr Fahd Al-Dubais indicated that the committee will be more focused on putting in place more regulations rather than being a technical committee concerned with the process of distance learning, adding, “Hence, the decision to form this committee stipulates that it has the right to seek the help of anyone it desires.”
He insisted that he is not in support of the decision, but he was quick to also affirm the need for having such systems in place and on standby.