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Since everything is going to digital space, children must be prepared for such a world where they do not face any difficulty while moving in the digitally backed world.
One of the most effective methods is to adopt the online schooling system. Further, this virtual schools approach has had a positive impact on students in several places including the Middle East.
Besides, this mode of education is not only directed to children for the coming future but also includes a number of advantages that would make this type of education attractive to families.
In this blog, we will discuss the possibilities that led to the success of virtual schools in the Middle East, why they are popular, and the list of homeschooling/online schooling benefits.
Table of Contents
The Rise of Virtual Schools in the Middle East
The Middle East has become one of the regions that are most advanced in their use of virtual schooling mainly because of the high technological readiness.
Many of the countries in the region are at the forefront of internet usage and own the most number of smartphones hence students can access the online classes easily.
This access, coupled with increased awareness and acceptance of online education has contributed to the rise of virtual schools in the region.
1. Technological Adoption
The increase in establishing virtual schools is facilitated by the Middle East’s adoption of technology.
Given that there is access to the fast internet and almost everyone uses a smartphone, the student has equal opportunities to attend classes in an online format.
In the Middle East, students can access virtual classes through the use of Mobile devices, laptops, and tablets, education has become more accessible as compared to the past.
2. Government & EdTech Companies Support
Government support has been instrumental in most virtual schools being successful in the Middle Eastern region. Globally, countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar have operational large-scale initiatives on Digital Education.
It also affirms that it is possible to school online while at the same time making sure that the students can cover all the required academic content.
The government has set up policies and endowed funding for virtual education so that students can be provided with quality education with strong roots. Here’s how governments are contributing to this rise:
- Investing in Digital Infrastructure:
Middle Eastern governments are investing heavily in digital learning platforms, and educational technology as well as expanding internet connection for delivery of online education to the mass number of students.
- Policy Adjustments to Encourage Online Learning:
Education ministries are endorsing the use of policies and rewards as a way of supporting the use of technology within learning institutions as a way of enhancing online learning.
- Collaborations with EdTech Companies:
Governments are forging partnerships with ed-tech start-ups and encouraging innovation of products and services that they believe can respond to the needs of students throughout the Middle East for a more pleasant online learning experience.
Also, read- Online Learning: What Is It And How Does It Work?
3. Flexibility and Accessibility
This is another factor that has made virtual schools and colleges credible in Middle Eastern countries due to the flexibility of the programme.
The invention of virtual schools is different from the normal physical school because it enables students to study at their own pace.
You can access course material online hence the students get the opportunity to prepare as per their timetable. This would be especially beneficial for students who may have other tasks and responsibilities such as work or family responsibilities.
It also helps students practise in different time zones because you can take lessons and submit an assignment from anywhere in the world that is convenient for you.
Further, with virtual school students can get a large number of different courses and programs, which is why this way of learning is preferable to the traditional one.
This helps students select areas they completely focus on or pursue throughout their further studies and careers in STEM, arts, and humanities.
Also, read: 5 reasons to choose online schooling for ex-pats living in the Middle East
Problems with Traditional Schooling
While traditional schooling has its merits, several challenges make virtual schooling a more attractive option for many families:
- Limited Flexibility: Traditional schools have set timetables hence they are rigid and thus not suitable for students who have other engagements or other special learning requirements.
- Geographical Barriers: The availability of education has also been a problem due to geography whereby regionality of education has been a problem for students as they sometimes can’t attend top-class school.
- Overcrowded Classrooms: Traditional schools also present some difficulties such as classes that are overfilled and that is why most of the teachers cannot spend much time together with learners; therefore, there is little interaction.
- High Costs: A lot of expenses such as transportation, school uniforms as well as books make it less affordable for some families.
By looking at these challenges, we can understand why online schools are getting more effective solutions and becoming popular in Middle Eastern countries.
Advantages of Homeschooling/Virtual School
We all have seen that virtual school is gaining more and more popularity globally, especially in countries of the Middle East.
Below are some of the major advantages or factors that make these educational models popular among parents and students.
1. Personalised Learning
There are many benefits of personalised learning as it relates to the extent of differentiation that is provided to each learner.
Learners are always supposed to learn in groups in normal learning environments, and most trainers or instructors barely bother to consider each learner separately.
Virtual schools allow the student to control the speed at which he or she masters concepts and the topic that he or she needs to be corrected on.
By leveraging the current learning technologies, the trainers could deliver material targeted at the learning style Proficiency, strengths, and challenges of each learner.
2. Flexible Schedules
As highlighted earlier, there is one major benefit of virtual schools that none of the traditional schools can match.
It is convenient for distant students because they can access the course contents and lectures at their convenience and thus will not interfere with other aspects of life.
This also applies well to students because students can also participate in other activities such as sports, and other extracurricular activities, or even secure an internship while at school.
3. Broader Curriculum and Resources
Virtual schools are better in terms of the variety of courses they have to present as compared to traditional schools.
This broad curriculum helps the students to proceed to more depth of specific subjects or vocation-based courses in their area of interest.
Online education platforms also provide an immense amount of information and resources to the students in the form of video lectures, e-books, simulations, or other interactive tools that help strengthen the concepts that have been delivered or taught.
4. Cost-Effectiveness
To some families, online schooling offered to students is usually cheaper as compared to normal schooling.
Virtual schools eliminate some of the most expensive factors relating to physical schools such as transport, school uniforms, etc.
Also, the use of family-based requires less money to be spent on educational materials and or resources as compared to centre-based.
Also, read- Homeschooling on a Budget: Cost-Saving Tips
5. Increased Parental Involvement
Homeschooling increases parents’ participation in what their child is being taught in class.
It is also flexible to allow parents to be actively involved in the progress and handling of their children as they may set objectives, create homeschooling schedule, goals and offer directions whenever necessary.
Such increased participation results not only in the improvement of the learning process and the student’s achievements but also in strengthening the parent-child bond.
6. Safe Learning Environment
Virtual schools make learning easier and safer for students. This factor alone has made many parents turn to home-based distance learning due to wrong acts exhibited in school bullying, and peer pressure among students.
This reduces the chances of having numerous interferences from other students and allows the concentration of individual learners to be fully focused on learning activities.
7. Global Exposure
Engaging in online classes also exposes the student to people from different parts of the world hence exposure to other cultures.
Global exposure also increases the students’ awareness and broadens their perspective in their surroundings thus making them adjust to the different cultures in today’s complex society, which in return enhances their ability to interact with other individuals from various parts of the world.
Conclusion
This information on the effectiveness of virtual schools in Middle Eastern countries implies the willingness of the region to embrace progressive forms of education provision.
With high support from different ministries of education, high technological uptake, and other approaches to learning, virtual schools are helping students achieve their potential in the digital space.
As we continue to witness the expansion of online schooling, it is clear that personalised learning and technology will play an increasingly prominent role in shaping the future of education.
