Distance learning is a term we have all become familiar with due to the recent unprecedented circumstances.
Students across the world have begun learning in new ways, and parents have had to become even more involved in their children’s daily learning.
Thanks to distance learning programmes developed by schools worldwide, students can bring their classrooms to their homes and continue their last term of the academic year in the safety of their own homes.
“My name is Hamdan Fadhl , and I have been a West Yas student since 4th grade. I’ve been learning at home for thMy name is Hamdan Fadhl, and I have been a West Yas student since 4th grade.e past few weeks and I have found it a good and very exciting experience.
I’ve been learning at home for the past few weeks, and I have found it an enjoyable and unique experience.
When we started Distance Learning, West Yas chose the best subjects for us to learn at homes, including Language Arts, Science, Arabic, Islamic Maths.
I have great support when it comes to my teachers; they convey the right information to us in a fun and exciting way. For example, at the start of each lesson, we do mental warm-up exercises. If a student does not understand the subject, he/she can message the Teacher privately for one to one support.
In my opinion, I think the hardest thing is that we don’t have much experience with Distance Learning. Still, our teachers give us so much of their time to help us fully understand what we are learning and how to learn, so it made things much more comfortable.
In the future, I would like to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering and hopefully, a Master’s Degree in Business Management.
After high school, I would like to apply to the University of Toronto in Canada as I would like a career as an Engineer where I can compete in different competitions.
I think learning to work on my own during this Distance Learning process is preparing me for the next stage of my future.
Hamdan Fadhil
West Yas Academy, Abu Dhabi
Distance Learning has been an adjustment for me personally, and I think most students would share my sentiment on this.
What has really helped me get through my course work is the daily support I get from my teachers.
I find the structured online live lessons useful when I need that extra support with challenging topics, and my teachers have been consistent in making themselves available outside lessons, which has been great.
I think the hardest challenge for me has been studying at home away from my classroom and classmates. However, video and voice call, along with emails and messages back and forth with my teachers and friends, has provided a reliable support system for me.
In hindsight, while Distance Learning is new to my friends and me, it is a blessing in disguise, especially for A ‘Level students such as myself as its teaching me discipline as well as helping me prepare mentally and emotionally for higher education.
I am planning on taking a year out after I finish my A ‘Level’s to travel before possibly going to the University of Exeter to study Marine Biology, so this experience has effectively helped me with the next phase of my education.
Jo Greene,
Al Yasmina Academy, Abu Dhabi
“As a working mother of three boys, Distance Learning seemed quite daunting at first, but once I found a rhythm, it started to get more comfortable. I’ve shared the top tips I’ve learned about Distance Learning along the way; hopefully, it will come in handy for mums and dads who can use the advice!“
Find a routine that best suits you all and stick to it. You may see some resistance at first, but the method will become the norm soon enough.
Spread out the workload, so nobody gets overwhelmed. For working mothers like myself, it is hard to balance it all, so it is sometimes more comfortable to work towards more attainable learning goals.
Let the kids learn to study independently and check in on them once in a while to show them you are there to supervise and more importantly, to support. Independence and trust will inspire them to keep it up.
Talk to your children about what they enjoy the most and what they find more challenging. This helped give me insight into which subjects needed more attention.
Reach out to the teacher and ask for support. My boy’s teachers are always available to support, and that has been a great help!
- Find a routine that best suits you all and stick to it. You may see some resistance at first, but the method will become the norm soon enough.
- Spread out the workload, so nobody gets overwhelmed. For working mothers like myself, it is hard to balance it all, so it is sometimes more comfortable to work towards more attainable learning goals.
- Let the kids learn to study independently and check in on them once in a while to show them you are there to supervise and more importantly, to support. Independence and trust will inspire them to keep it up.
- Talk to your children about what they enjoy the most and what they find more challenging. This helped give me insight into which subjects needed more attention.
- Reach out to the teacher and ask for support. My boy’s teachers are always available to support, and that has been a great help!
Rabia Mansour, Mum of Zydaan & Wali
The Pearl Academy, Abu Dhabi
“Having been Distance Learning for a while now, I am now used to the new way of studying. Still, the help of my Teachers has really helped me get through my course work while understanding what I am learning. I am learning a lot of Math, Biology, and Chemistry.“
Teachers send supporting information through various interactive means daily. This makes it easy and quick for me to process, so when I need additional help, I have the option of live lessons that almost feel like being back in our classroom. This experience has been a first for me.
While at times, it is hard to stay motivated despite all the support available, my future goals keep me focused on doing the best. Next year, I plan to study Biomedical Engineering at the University of California in San Diego. I am fascinated with designing prosthetic body parts and medical equipment, and I hope I can contribute positively to society through my work in the future.
Abigail Bernard,
Al Ain Academy, Al Ain
For more information on distance learning please visit:
https://www.aldaracademies.com/