E-learning remains as training centres open

DUBAI — Training institutes across Dubai are gearing up to welcome their students back on campuses, starting today.

Like all other businesses, these centres had earlier been closed as a precautionary measure against the spread of Covid-19.

Now, Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has confirmed sharing certain regulations with its accredited coaching institutes, for their phased reopening.

A number of institutes told Khaleej Times that they would follow a ‘blended’ approach, even as things are looking to resume to the ‘new normal’.

Ananth Isaiah, founder and director of Knowledge Quotient, said: “We will be working flexibly with our pupils and parents. It will be a mix of face-to-face and online classes. We are simultaneously keeping all precautionary measures in mind as directed by the KHDA for our physical classes.”

Isaiah said they will be leaving the “choice” to the parents, who can decide to send students to the institute, “whenever they feel comfortable in the given situation”.

Peter Davos, CEO and Founder of Hale Education, said they are eager to have their pupils back in class but they are also adopting a phased approach.

“It will take a week to create the infrastructure to be in full compliance with KHDA regulations. Then, we will implement a phased approach to welcoming both employees and students back to the office over the course of the next month,” Davos said.

Adopting a wait-and-see approach, others are still assessing the situation.

Dr Alka Kalra, director, EduScan Institute, said: “Contingency plans are in place and we are looking to have small groups returning to our facility. But our online classes along with our physical learning inside the institute will be in place.”