Following the temporary closure of schools and universities in Qatar due to coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education recently announced the implementation of nationwide distance learning for students starting Sunday, March 22.

What is distance learning?

Distance learning, also called distance education, e-learning, and online learning, is a way of learning remotely without the need of regular face-to-face contact with a teacher in the classroom setting.

To bridge the gap between students and teachers during the closing period, the education ministry has recommended the use of Microsoft Teams and Learning Management System (LMS) applications.

What’s the difference between Microsoft Teams and LMS apps?

While both applications support interaction between students and parents via a virtual education chat app, Microsoft Teams and LMS will be used separately by students of governments chools in different grade levels.

• Grade 1 to 3 - to use Microsoft Teams
• Grade 4 to 12 – to use the LMS

How to prepare the students for distance learning?

Well-chosen specialist teachers from schools with advanced training in graphic lessons production have produced learning materials that they will explain to the students.

 The educational content of these lessons was prepared by the Ministry. It is presented through 10-minute videos of daily lessons, which will be accessible on electronic links via digital platforms.

Teachers will guide the students in each lesson to understand and answer the applications.

How the parents get involved in the new system?

To monitor their children’s performance, tables will be sent via SMS to the parents. Lesson plans and weekly class schedule will be published on a daily basis. And, among the tools to be provided are:

• four illustrated subjects
• daily and weekly assessments
• eBooks will be provided in PDF format
• more educational videos
• set of sample answers for parents

How distance learning for people with disabilities works?

The Ministry aims to provide educational tools for students with special needs. Lessons will be uploaded on the LMS system according to the level and type of disability for students of levels 1 and 2.

• For students with hearing disabilities - all subject lessons will be with sign language
• For visually impaired – the Ministry ensured the clarity and quality of the sound when recording the lessons 
• For students of Level 3 support – interactive lessons will be provided using the Microsoft Teams system

Specialised schools will assign best teachers of specialized subjects to provide the following:

• illustrated lessons for theoretical materials
• practical workshops

These materials will be uploaded on the LMS at the school site and parents will be notified to start broadcasting the lessons via text message.

The Ministry will continuously provide technical support to schools and parents during the implementation of distance learning. 

For any concerns on distance learning, Hotline 155 is available for assistance.