Combating coronavirus: 160,000 students in UAE write a trial online test

More than 160,000 students from Grades 5 to 12 in UAE public schools have attended an online trial test in Mathematics to assess the electronic examination system for the remote learning initiative.
The Ministry of Education said the trial test, which is in two phases with each segment taking 30 minutes, is aimed at assessing the effectiveness of the online testing system as part of remote learning.
The test involved 10 multiple choice questions and students could first solve the mathematical problems on an external paper before choosing the correct answer.
On March 22, the remote learning system began in all schools across the country, including public and private schools and universities, to ensure education continuity while students are staying home. This followed closure of schools amid fears of the global spread of coronavirus.
And early this month, the ministry announced that the remote learning system will continue until the end of this academic year as government continues to fight the spread of Covid-19.
The ministry said it had introduced 13 global educational platforms that use artificial intelligence (AI) on its portal for smart learning, so as to provide multiple educational options for students. The platforms include all study materials and curricula applied by the ministry, in addition to other educational systems applied in public schools. The platforms also offer advanced educational solutions, which include thousands of interactive educational clips.
Students say they miss the school
Abdullah Albreki, 18-year-old student of Grade 12 at Seer Bani Yas Secondary School in Abu Dhabi, said distance learning has been quite a big challenge for him as he lacks face to face interaction with his teachers and fellow students.
"The efforts of teachers have been tremendous in the remote learning system. But as a student, getting used to this new system hasn't been easy," he said.
"It requires a great sense of responsibility and commitment to attend all classes and ensure that I increase my interaction with the teachers online so that I can fully understand all lessons. The quick weekly tests for students are also very important."
Albreki said although attending classes remotely from home is for continuity of education, he prefers going to school.
Grade 8 student Mohammed Muhsin said though he was used to some online assignments at school, attending all classes remotely at home is a big challenge.
"Learning remotely from home when the teacher is miles away is a bit challenging. Sometimes you can find it hard to concentrate," he said.
"But given the current situation as we can't go to school, I try my level best to be attentive and also ensure that I engage with my teachers online to understand all the concepts."
Muhsin said his parents too have been supportive in the remote learning by creating a conducive learning environment for him and his siblings.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com