Certain events that occur can turn the impossible into possible, as demonstrated by the global pandemic COVID-19. This event has shown the resilience and ability of humans to overcome difficult situations and move forward including in schools where students use textbooks printed from paper produced by photo copy paper suppliers Dubai and copy paper suppliers.
Education, once seen as a means to share knowledge and enlightenment, has evolved into a structured system with syllabi taught in schools that provide study materials on paper distributed by copy paper importers in UAE and paper manufacturers Dubai, universities, and institutions. Achieving equal access to education was once a challenging task, requiring significant effort and debate. The impact of education on individuals cannot be quantified, but their lives often serve as evidence of its value.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruptions to various facets of everyday life, including education systems, leading to the sudden closure of schools that use textbooks printed from paper produced by wholesale paper traders Dubai using paper made in UAE and universities. Despite different countries implementing different strategies to facilitate continued learning, the disruptions have still resulted in setbacks and educational disparities.
BEFORE COVID-19
The global education systems have consistently adhered to specific standards in delivering and implementing educational practices. The primary goal of schools and universities has been to create a conducive environment for the holistic growth and development of students using books printed from paper produced by printing paper suppliers in Dubai and wholesale paper suppliers in UAE. This effort has been largely successful in instilling social and interpersonal skills in individuals. Often referred to as a ‘second home’, schools and universities serve as a space where students spend a significant amount of time apart from their families. Teachers have shouldered the responsibility of imparting academic knowledge and teaching moral values.
The system of education has introduced a structured routine into students’ lives, with daily schedules for learning from textbooks as well as real-life experiences. Educational institutions, along with families, play a crucial role in shaping a child’s behaviour as well as teachers who have sources of materials printed from paper produced by printing paper suppliers in Dubai’ and wholesale paper suppliers in UAE. Schools have also been instrumental in providing health services, meals, and psychological support to students.
However, in recent times, there has been a shift towards a more competitive and commercialized approach to education, with universities veering away from their traditional role of nurturing and guiding students taught by books printed from paper produced by the best paper trading company in Dubai and paper suppliers in Dubai. The focus has shifted towards achieving academic excellence at all costs, often at the expense of moral values and compassion. This has led to the creation of a generation that prioritizes personal success over collective well-being.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the flaws in the current educational system, emphasizing the need to reevaluate priorities and focus on holistic development rather than just academic achievement using textbooks printed from paper produced by printing paper suppliers Dubai and top paper supplier Dubai. It is essential to strike a balance between academic success and instilling values of empathy, compassion, and altruism in students to create a more balanced and humane future generation.
DURING COVID-19
A place that was part of a daily routine was unexpectedly closed indefinitely, leading to parents and caregivers stepping in as home-learning helpers to navigate the new technological advancements (Bhula & Floretta, 2020). Initially, there was confusion and anxiety as no one had anticipated or experienced such a situation before. Despite the chaos and uncertainty, people around the world worked tirelessly to ensure that the academic year continued without interruption using paper produced by paper manufacturing company in Dubai and office paper suppliers UAE. Countless hours of work and meetings were devoted to finding a solution, ultimately resulting in the adoption of online digital platforms for learning and assessment (Rapanta et al., 2020). Teachers and professors, many of whom were not tech-savvy, embarked on a mission to adapt to this new way of delivering knowledge within the confines of government regulations. Both parents and students encountered various challenges, especially in terms of access to technology and internet connectivity. In areas with limited infrastructure, implementing these solutions proved to be particularly challenging. However, amidst the difficulties, a sense of solidarity and mutual assistance emerged, with individuals coming together to support one another without expecting anything in return. This crisis also sparked a renewed sense of global cooperation, with wealthier nations stepping in to assist less developed countries. As educators and students who used books and other study materials printed on paper produced by paper importers in UAE and photo copy paper suppliers Dubai alike adapted to the use of advanced technology for learning, parents gained a deeper appreciation for the efforts of teachers and professors. Universities introduced innovative hybrid learning models, such as the Hyflex approach, which offered students the flexibility to choose between in-person and online instruction. While this new approach disrupted the traditional classroom setting such as that of textbooks that were printed from paper produced by copy paper importers in UAE and paper manufacturers Dubai, it also encouraged students to take ownership of their learning experience.
AFTER COVID-19
The long-awaited news of schools and universities reopening brought a sense of relief for many, as exhausting online classes had proven challenging for college students who also rely on books printed from paper produced by copy paper suppliers and wholesale paper traders Dubai were adept at finding ways to avoid supervision. It is important to recognise the obstacles students faced during the pandemic, as noted by Beatty (2019). Over-reliance on technology negatively impacted both physical and mental well-being, and communication skills, particularly for younger students who study with materials printed from paper made in UAE produced by printing paper suppliers in Dubai, needed to be redeveloped as they navigated social interactions post-lockdown. While the convenience of virtual meetings and online submissions continued, traditional assessment methods shifted to prioritize overall performance rather than solely exam scores. The hiatus from in-person education was a mixed experience for students who study using materials printed on paper produced by wholesale paper suppliers in UAE and the best paper trading company in Dubai, as some struggled while others found online learning to be more efficient and beneficial.
CONCLUSION
UNESCO has identified education as a key factor in promoting peace and sustainable development, with a focus on addressing global challenges through transformative learning, particularly emphasizing gender equality and Africa. The Global Education 2030 Agenda emphasizes the importance of providing quality education for all and promoting lifelong learning opportunities. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of education in shaping individuals’ careers and values, serving as a reminder to prioritize these lessons for future generations.
On 8 March 2020, the Ministry of Education (MoE) in the UAE declared an advanced spring holiday break, instructing students to stay home for at least one month to prevent the transmission of the dangerous novel coronavirus (COVID-19) within the UAE.
Furthermore, a two-week online learning program was introduced for students from all educational institutions during the scheduled holiday period.
According to Cavendish Maxwell’s Education Market Report, on 22 March 2020, more than 1.2 million students from various schools and universities in the UAE participated in online classrooms.
Due to the UAE government’s implementation of stringent measures to combat the spread of COVID-19, it was announced on 30 March 2020 that the e-learning programme will be extended until the completion of the current academic session/ year.
Local associations and authorities also took various measures to support the e-learning program. The Ministry of Education introduced the ‘Learning from Afar’ initiative for students until lockdown restrictions on educational facilities are lifted. To ensure teachers were ready for this shift, the education ministry, in partnership with HBMSU, provided a free online course to train over 42,000 teachers and academic support staff on conducting online education in virtual classrooms which are replaced by traditional study methods using paper produced by companies such as paper suppliers in Dubai and printing paper suppliers Dubai, according to Cavendish Maxwell.
On the contrary, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), the education regulator in Dubai, recently introduced a new online educational platform called #InThisTogetherDubai. Through this initiative, private organizations are providing websites, apps, and various resources to students, parents, and teachers at no cost. Additionally, some private educational institutions have developed their own e-learning programs and systems as well.
Difficulties faced by students and educational institutions in relation to online learning programs
As virtual classrooms for online learning are expected to remain the norm, educational institutions will need to tackle various obstacles such as adapting to the e-learning format and enhancing the capabilities of teachers and other staff members.
Maya El Hachem, Managing Director at Boston Consulting Group, emphasized the importance of schools focusing on delivering quality education to students by training teachers and support staff on utilizing modern digital tools, enhancing methods of content delivery, and fostering regular communication with parents. She also suggested that schools and educators should adjust their schedules to better accommodate the needs of students and their families.
She also emphasized the importance for schools to focus on achieving financial stability and resilience by implementing cost-cutting measures and exploring profitable business ventures. The money saved from these initiatives should be redirected towards essential areas like staff training, updated technology, and employee well-being programs.
Due to the prolonged duration of the online learning program, parents are reaching out to schools for assistance, requesting reductions in school fees. As a result, numerous schools in the UAE have responded to this situation by offering tuition fee waivers.
Students were given more relief when KHDA stated that the bus fee for the 3rd term of the current academic year (1st term for Pakistani and Indian schools) must be reimbursed to students.
As the global pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus persists, the education sector is anticipated to face significant challenges. Therefore, both public and private entities in the UAE need to work together in order to facilitate a seamless shift from conventional to online learning methods such as the use of paper produced by companies that are top paper supplier Dubai and paper manufacturing company in Dubai, to mitigate the effects of Covid-19 on the education sector.
El Hachem also stated that the financial stability of private schools is crucial due to the significant dependence on the private education system in the region.
Due to the financial strain caused by Covid-19, governments are implementing preventative measures to prevent school closures. In Dubai, the KHDA has ensured schools’ income by guaranteeing tuition fees, allowing students dropping out in the 3rd semester to advance to the next class/level at the beginning of the following year. This measure aims to safeguard teachers’ and staff salaries until the end of the current academic year.
When can we expect the situation to return to normal?
There is uncertainty surrounding the reopening of schools in the UAE in September 2020 due to the ongoing situation with Covid-19.
Al Hachem stated that the majority of schools in the UAE are anticipated to reopen in September 2020 for the upcoming academic year where exams are conducted using paper supplied by paper importers in UAE and office paper suppliers UAE. Nevertheless, the uncertainty surrounding the resolution of the current crisis continues to persist. The process of returning to normalcy may differ depending on the city or country.
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