Missed lessons at school? It’s simple, just Youtube it

Dubai: Students who can’t keep up in class don’t have to worry about borrowing notes from their peers, thanks to the launch of ‘Duroosi’ (My studies) Youtube videos, which provide online tutorials of subjects taught to grade 11 and 12 public school students.

The Ministry of Education launched the new self-learning tool in partnership with etisalat and Google to offer students extra help in all courses taught at school.

Marwan Al Sawaleh, undersecretary of the ministry, said 600 tutorial videos have so far been posted on the ‘Duroosi’ channel.

“We already received 17,000 subscribers and 35,000 views since we launched the programme. We hope to utilise technology to provide the best quality of education in light of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s [Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai] vision.”

Al Sawaleh said the courses target students who wish to revise their courses more than once or those who had to miss class for some reason.

“So far, we will only implement it on grade 11 and 12 students who go to public schools. Depending on the results, we will decide whether we will expand to other grades. Partnerships with private and other educational organisations to expand the programme are also welcome.”

According to Al Sawaleh, the teachers chosen for the online videos went through a series of interviews and tests. “We chose the best of the best,” he said.

Duroosi’s YouTube channel is open to all users, free of charge.

Cutting back on private tuition fees

Asma Al Marri, a parent who said that paying for private tuition was a burden, welcomed the idea of the free tutorial videos.

“I pay around Dh5,000 a month on private tuition. I loved the idea of online courses that can be accessed anytime and anywhere. I really hope these courses will replace tutors who have become a financial burden on us.”

Parents’ role in monitoring the amount of time students spent online was also emphasised at the launch of ‘Duroosi’.

Ameenah Al Khalil, a Grade 11 private school student, also welcomed ‘Duroosi’, but stressed the importance of real-time classes because they provide two-way communication.

“People ask me, ‘If Duroosi is successful, would you bother going to class when you can learn from the comfort of your home?’. I always answer yes, because I believe the classroom is a chance for you to discuss something that you do not understand.”

Hessa Obaid, a public school teacher, said that the online tutorials also benefit her. “If I find trouble explaining a topic, I can refer to the videos to learn about different ways to get the idea across to students. Also, if I forget or miss a point during class, the students can go back and refer to the videos.”