APNU+AFC Member of Parliament and former Education Minister Dr Nicolette Henry has cautioned that remote learning will see many learners faced with challenges that can have permanent effects.
In her contribution to the debate on the 2020 budget on Friday, Henry said the education ministry will have to ensure that the temporary disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic does not cause permanent damage to the development of learners.
Henry noted that the disruption that has occurred could cause major regression, especially for those whose basic learning fundamentals were not strong to begin with. Henry added that the future of the education system lies in the application of an appropriate blended approach which is not limited to Information and Communications Technology (ICT). The approach would have to answer whether children would be left behind academically, she added.
The inequality in the education system, she contended, will either see students returning to schools without missing much while others who have been at a disadvantage will return with a lot still needed to be learned or may not return at all.
Henry pointed out that the remote-learning concept is posing a challenge for those with underlying conditions and those living in communities that do not have access. She said others who are unfamiliar are also at a loss and then there are the constant blackouts which also results in constant disruption.
She noted that even as the Ministry of Education tries to adapt to the new way of delivering learning, the quality of teaching will still depend on whether teachers are equipped enough to work in such conditions. She said that the classes have recommenced but whether teachers are being trained and what percentage have been is yet to be known to the public.
