Bahrain stepping up to the challenges of online teaching and learning amid pandemic

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Amid concerns over the coronavirus (COVID-19) problem, Bahrain has taken advantage of the benefits of e-learning to sustain progress in the education sector.

The reality is that e-learning or electronic learning has been put in place in Bahrain since 2005 as a result of the King Hamad Schools of the Future Project, in addition to the Digital Empowerment Project and with no letup in COVID-19’s assault on the health system of the Kingdom since last year, the Education Ministry has been forced to continue using the distance learning mechanism and develop it in order to serve the educational process.

Schools are now using the educational portal, digital content and televised lessons, in addition to other effective electronic teaching means.

Through these various online platforms, Bahrain’s educational process is progressing in the right direction. Following the analysis of the National Medical Taskforce and competent authorities on the health situation, classes should be held virtually as part of the strict precautionary measures to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus and ensure the safety of students and the community.

The Ministry is also using television and radio channels and YouTube to present lessons to all students, including those with special needs.

Hotlines have also been set up to ensure easy and open contact between all stakeholders.

‘New normal’ challenges Virtual learning will be the “new normal” for some time in the Kingdom.

With education being thrown into disarray by the coronavirus, teachers are forced to teach their students from home to allow teaching and learning to continue.

COVID-19 has allowed teachers and students to explore online teaching and learning when face-to-face classrooms are not possible.

It is not an easy task, especially for teachers.

This is a challenging period for teachers during an extraordinary global situation.

All of a sudden, students are learning remotely and teachers are facing new challenges they haven’t faced before.

First of all, they need to learn the ropes of this technological pathway and update their skills to fulfil their role as effective teachers. They will have to be familiar with Internet-based technologies and online teaching tools, adjust their teaching plans and teaching methods, and quickly adapt to the new situation.

Using technology in the day-to-day business of keeping in touch with students, sending reminders, sharing pictures and videos, setting assignments and tests have to be rethought for online classes.