WHAT PARENTS HAVE TO SAY

Adele Bezuidenhout, South African

“I have mixed emotions. My son, Bradley, 8, going to grade 3 next term, has greatly benefited from the one-on-one time he spent with me studying during the last term of distance learning. He improved his report card. I was able to sit with him and teach him a lot of things. The only thing I feel that children miss is the social interaction with friends, peers and teachers.”

Denise Bonnici, Australian

“Three of my four children go to school here in Dubai and have always wanted to do online schooling, so it has worked out really well for us. Two of them are into extra-curricular activities and online schooling gives them time to pursue that.”

Roopa Shashidhar, Indian

“Online classes are just a temporary solution but children do better in a school environment. As a parent, I definitely prefer if my children (Chetan, 12 and Daksha, 10) learn in a school environment as they will be disciplined and physically active. There should be a fee reduction of 30 to 40 per cent in the next term for online classes as the current rates are not justified.”

Reneva Hneineh, Lebanese

“I am opting for distance learning for my son John Abdallah, 10, next year as I feel more comfortable as he has ADHD. Last term, he showed better results studying at home with me. My daughter Kaitlyn, 4, is still in nursery.”

Uzma, Pakistani

“I will opt for distance education for my children Salah Fahad, 13 and Hibba Fahad, 11 only if it is mandatory. I prefer if they are in a school environment as schooling is not only about the academics. Being around other kids enhances social skills and takes education to another level.”