MORE distance learning solutions for higher education institutes are being considered, especially those for final examinations, writes the GDN's Ghazi Alshehabi.

The Higher Education Council said yesterday that it was communicating extensively with all institutions to determine its compensatory and alternative procedures and plans, following the suspension of classes as part of precautionary measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

Higher Education Council general secretary Dr Abdulghani Al Shuwaikh said meetings were ongoing to ensure institutions were prepared in case the suspension is extended even further.

“Several meetings are being held during the current period with the heads of higher education institutions to discuss their proposals and visions aimed at completing the various academic programmes based on their available capabilities, in addition to future steps in the event of an extension of the suspension period,” said Dr Al Shuwaikh.

“Through continuous monitoring, the General Secretariat has found a good technical infrastructure in many governmental and private higher education institutions and the presence of academic bodies trained in integrating information and communication technology in education.

“This enabled them to activate e-learning, to continue to provide their educational services remotely, including resorting to activating the virtual learning environment through many programmes and applications such as Microsoft Teams.

“As for the mechanism for taking tests and evaluating students’ performances under the current circumstances, the higher education institutions have presented their views and options in this regard and there will be co-ordination to take the appropriate measures.”

Meanwhile, Education Minister Dr Majid Al Nuaimi said the ministry has completed preparing 507 digital lessons and educational enrichment for students of various special needs.

“A total of 368 lessons were uploaded through the educational portal, and 139 lessons and enrichments are being reviewed, in preparation for uploading them in the next few days,” he said.

“This is the efforts of a team consisting of 11 specialists from the special education department and the Centre for Gifted Students, with the support of teachers and special education specialists in schools, to prepare these various digital educational materials for various categories such as those with learning difficulties, autism, simple mental disabilities, Down syndrome, and those who show excellence and talent.

“This is in addition to working to provide lessons in sign language for deaf students, and preparing audio lessons for students with visual impairment, and efforts are continuing in this field by specialists.”