Saudi Education Ministry takes on distance learning of 6mln students in 10 days

JEDDAH: The Saudi Ministry of Education has been working relentlessly to ensure students have access to their education as the world battles the coronavirus pandemic.

Ibtisam Al-Shehri, the ministry’s spokesperson, said: “In 10 days, the ministry implemented distance learning to 6 million students. Students were offered five options by the ministry for virtual learning, accessible at any time and place.”

She added: “The ministry even made these educational tools available to those without internet access on TV through Ein channels.”

The students can gain access to their classes through 20 Ein channels on TV, Ein’s Youtube channel, Ein educational portal, future gate and unified education database. Thirty-seven million students have tuned in to view Ein’s content on the internet, excluding those watching on TV.

Al-Shehri said that students’ finals will be held as scheduled before coronavirus on Ramadan 10, but they are prepared for other emergencies with solutions such as virtual examinations in accordance with the educational calendar, virtual examinations for any given time as the current situation advances, virtual examinations for select grade levels and in-person examination for others.

The ministry has also revealed that a new platform is being planned to support teachers and students interested in volunteering with health and logistics bodies to help battle the pandemic.

Meanwhile, King Abdul Aziz University (KAU) has launched an initiative to provide computers for students who do not have access to online distance learning.

KAU president, Abdulrahman bin Obaid Al-Youbi, said that more than 1,000 students had applied, and the first batch of devices had been distributed. Those wishing to apply should go to https://marz.kau.edu.sa/ShowSurveyLogin.aspx?SID=175235.