Muscat – The suspension of in-person classes due to heavy rainfall has renewed calls to strengthen distance learning systems, not only as an emergency measure but also as a regular component of the education process to ensure continuity during disruptions.

Educators and parents say the experience of shifting to online learning in recent days highlighted the need for better preparedness, including improving digital infrastructure and familiarising students and teachers with e-learning platforms during normal times.

Khalisa Al Qassabiya, head of the Parents’ Council at Umama bint Abi Al Aas School in Muscat, said the past few days revealed several challenges faced by students and families, particularly weak internet connectivity and heavy pressure on educational platforms.

She noted that some platforms did not function efficiently, while lessons continued on others such as Microsoft Teams, with schools often relying on messaging groups to inform students which platform would be used for each class.

Khalisa added that some families struggled to provide enough electronic devices for all their children simultaneously, especially households with several students, affecting their ability to attend classes at the same time.

She suggested allocating one day each week for distance learning even during normal school operations to train students and teachers in using digital platforms and ensure readiness should circumstances require suspending classroom teaching.

Ali Al Sheyadi, an education expert, said recent experiences show that e-learning is no longer merely an alternative but an essential element of modern education systems.

“Integrating distance learning regularly into the school schedule would enhance students’ digital skills and encourage self-learning, while enabling teachers to diversify their teaching methods through online platforms,” he said.

Khalid Al Nabhani, an educational technology specialist, added that the regular use of e-learning platforms would also allow authorities to test their capacity to handle large numbers of users and identify technical weaknesses before emergencies occur.