Is online learning viable option in weather conditions?
The online learning experience, during Covid-19 proved to be very successful, effective and efficient, as it contributed to relieving the students’ families from the trouble of transporting their children to and from schools.
It has also proven to be a safe method in emergencies and crises, as students receive their lessons from their homes. Through the online learning system, the Ministry of Education can overcome problems that were and still are troubling many families, such as the long duration of study, and the volatile climatic conditions that the Sultanate of Oman keeps witnessing.
Many educators confirmed that Oman possesses a strong technical infrastructure that contributed to the success of distance learning during emergency circumstances. Increasing awareness of technological skills among parents also contributed significantly to the success of this experiment.
Maryam al Sinani, a teacher at the Ministry of Education, says that online learning is an effective solution to several problems and provides additional advantages that the student resorts to enrich the scientific subject and develop mental abilities.
She added that e-learning can eliminate many of the challenges of traditional education, including the absence of students before official holidays and on occasions, and during bad weather, and overcome the density of classes in some educational curricula, in addition to the problem of wasted time between classes.
It also allows the provision of additional stimulating educational programmes. For students, it attracts attention, as it is practical, and quick, and through it, individual differences between students can be overcome by providing teachers with enrichment exercises for the most distinguished students and recording the lessons in a simpler way for the struggling students to understand them.
In addition, it allows the use of educational aids and videos that reduce student distraction during the traditional class.
Rashid bin Ahmed, a parent, said, “We hope to provide educational alternatives for students, especially in the event of any emergency or crisis, and we also hope to connect students and train them on learning techniques, because today’s stage requires the student to be proficient in modern technology, to help him develop skills and abilities while completing educational journey and preparing for university studies and working life.”
Zuwayna al Balushi, another parent, said that the Ministry of Education must work to develop educational platforms and train those working on them, including teachers and students, to use them smoothly and practically during regular school days when there is an emergency, such as volatile climate conditions.
“In addition, looking after the needs of needy students by providing them with their technical needs that facilitate their access. These electronic platforms can be easily accessed,” she added.
Online learning is an effective solution to several problems and provides additional advantages that the student resorts to enrich the scientific subject and develop mental abilities
MARYAM AL SINANI A teacher