Al-Tabtaba'i Responds to Student's Proposal to Dedicate Thursdays for Remote Learning: 'We Will Consider It' - Sarmad

Education Minister Eng. Syed Jalal Al-Tabtabaee participated in three class sessions with students from several schools via the “Teams” platform on Saturday, as part of a trial conducted by the Ministry of Education to test the readiness of the distance learning system.

His participation included an English language session for Grade 11 students at Fahad Al-Salem Boys’ Secondary School, a Constitution subject session for Grade 12 students at Jasim Al-Kharafi Secondary School, and a session with Grade 7 female students at Al-Fayhaa Girls’ Intermediate School.

During his dialogue with the students, the minister made a point of listening to their views on the platform-based learning experience, inquiring about the ease of use and the ability to join classes without obstacles. The students confirmed that they were able to participate easily.

In a notable intervention, one student requested that Thursdays be designated each week for distance learning via “Teams.” Al-Tabtabaee replied, “We will consider the matter,” while expressing his wishes for the students’ success and hoping to contact one of them at the end of the year to congratulate them on being among the top performers.

Al-Tabtabaee emphasized that the trial is part of a proactive plan to enhance the readiness of students and teachers for distance learning when needed, particularly with the approach of the winter season and rains, which may bring conditions hindering access to schools. He stressed the importance of ensuring the continuity of the educational process and preventing the loss of students’ learning time.

He clarified that the trial also aims to address potential technical issues and verify teachers’ preparedness and their readiness of instructional materials, noting that bonus grades were awarded to students participating in the trial.

When one teacher reported that attendance in one of the sessions exceeded 95 percent, the minister directed that the reasons for the absence of the remaining students be followed up on and verified to ensure they were not prevented from participating due to technical difficulties. He also stressed the importance of documenting all feedback and leveraging the trial’s results to develop the distance learning system, enhancing coordination among school administrations, educational bodies, and relevant authorities, thereby ensuring schools’ readiness to continue studies under various conditions.