One month of announcing distance education methods due to the coronavirus outbreak, Saudi Arabia was among the leading countries to implement them.
On March 8, Saudi Arabia announced the suspension of schools, universities and educational institutions until further notice. The Education Ministry said virtual schools should be set up as well as distance learning processes during the suspension period.
Public universities announced the mechanism for evaluating the final exams, which will start late April.
Head of the Community Relations Unit in King Saud University’s College of Languages and Translation Sara al-Otaibi told Asharq Al-Awsat that using technology and online educational platforms is not new to students.
“Since the beginning of the academic year, and before the coronavirus crisis, students had to choose at least two courses to study online.”
Many universities have provided workshops, in preparation to deliver virtual classes. They have also conducted experimental exams to ensure students are aware of this technique.
Otaibi highlighted the Education Ministry’s decision to reduce the number of exams and replace them with continuous evaluation homework, projects and short tests.
Universities have provided other programs with free subscription, in order to continue the education process, she stressed.
