Syrian students turn to e-learning amid pandemic
The opposition-led government in Syria has activated distance learning for students in the areas under its control to help curb the spread of the coronavirus in schools and universities, though some students aren't able to benefit from the program.
ALEPPO, Syria — In an effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus, the Syrian opposition-led interim government has authorized the use of distance learning at all levels of education until further notice.
The Ministry of Education in a March 29 statement gave educational institution leaders the go-ahead to activate virtual learning. Though the ministry didn't mention any specific plan, it gave the people in charge the leeway to choose the most appropriate learning method. Educational institutions have been closed since March 14 because of the virus.
“Such a dangerous epidemic will have disastrous consequences if it reaches the towns, cities and camps in northwest Syria, which are filled with displaced people. That's why it was absolutely necessary to close the schools preemptively,” Education Minister Huda al-Absi told Al-Monitor.
“We started working on the distance learning program March 29, and gave the executive officers at the ministry’s directorates and universities the freedom to opt for a method deemed easy and appropriate.”
