No student dismissals at varsities amid e-learning

dubai — University students shall not be dismissed, issued academic warnings, or be placed under monitoring during the current distancelearning phase, the Ministry of Higher Education has announced.

Dr Ahmad bin Abdullah Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Higher Education and Advanced Skills, said higher education institutions are committed to the decision adding that his ministry is determined to “reduce the burden on students during the current coronavirus crisis”.

Reiterating the importance of distance learning at this time, Dr Al Falasi said all institutions should have practical remote education solutions in place, including ‘virtual internship’ systems.

He stressed the importance of interactive communication methods to facilitate the practical aspects of academic programmes, such as laboratory work, training, and discussion of graduation projects.

The minister added that all higher education institutions are committed to delivering education using “appropriate tools and mechanisms to facilitate distance learning”.

At the same time, he said students have a responsibility to adhere to the rules and regulations of the remote evaluation process, including allowing the use of electronic monitoring tools, such as livestreamed video, during examinations.

He added that the ministry is working closely with various institutions to reach a “practical formula through which we can maintain the efficient functioning of the educational system” and “prepare students during this exceptional time”. —

The ministry is determined to reduce the burden on students during the current coronavirus crisis.” Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi,

Minister of State for Higher Education and Advanced Skills