Ministry of Education: TEAMS activation for one day only, not every Saturday

The Director of Public Relations and Educational Media at the Ministry of Education, Aroua Al-Ayyar, confirmed that the activation of the “Teams” platform for attending remote classes will last for only one day, on the upcoming Saturday, October 24, and not every Saturday. This initiative is a trial aimed at verifying the technical readiness of students and teachers, and preparing for any emergency situation that might necessitate a shift to remote learning.

In a statement to Kuwait Television, Al-Ayyar said the trial includes students from the first grade of primary school through the twelfth grade, with each student attending one class and interacting with their teacher according to the schedule set for each educational stage, within the trial’s one-hour duration. She clarified that Saturday was chosen to ensure the continuity of the regular school day and timetable from Sunday to Thursday, emphasizing that remote learning serves as a supplement to in-person instruction, which the Ministry is keen to keep effective.

She noted that having students and teachers participate from their homes creates conditions that simulate a sudden shift to remote learning, allowing for the identification, monitoring, and resolution of technical obstacles through technical support teams. It also ensures the activation of student accounts and teachers’ ability to organize and provide access to their classes.

Al-Ayyar added that previous Ministry trials during the coronavirus pandemic and sudden weather fluctuations revealed difficulties some students faced in accessing their accounts, prompting the Ministry to take this proactive step to ensure preparedness and the continuity of education under various circumstances.

Regarding student assessment, Al-Ayyar explained that attendance and interaction during the class earn the student an additional incentive grade, described as a “bonus.” She urged parents to prepare their children’s accounts in advance, verify usernames and passwords, and familiarize themselves with the login process for the platform.

She stressed that the success of the trial depends on the cooperation of school administrations, teachers, students, and parents, reaffirming that the Ministry’s responsibility includes ensuring regular schooling and readiness for any future developments.