University in Dubai announces distance learning for some students after spring break amid US-Israel-Iran war
Issues update on option of online classes from March 23 to April 5
Dubai: A university in Dubai on Friday evening announced online classes for some students after the spring break, making it one of the first higher educational institutions in the country to spell out what happens to classes post the break.
In an update to its first announcement earlier on Friday about shifting to remote learning after spring break, Middlesex University Dubai said: "Classes are planned to resume on campus from Monday, 23 March, following Spring Break. Online teaching and learning will be available from Monday, 23 March, to Sunday, 5 April, for students who are not able to return to campus during that time."
This clarification on its social media channels under the post titled "IMPORTANT UPDATE: UPCOMING CLASSES" followed the university's earlier post titled “IMPORTANT UPDATE: ONLINE LEARNING.”
As first reported by Gulf News, the university had earlier in the day said that all teaching and learning will take place online from Monday, March 23 to Sunday, April 5. However, the university later clarified its final decision in the updated statement.
The announcements come as the UAE continues to navigate an ongoing crisis that has already upended the academic calendar across the country.
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"Students should continue to attend their scheduled classes online and regularly check their student email and the university website for further updates," the university said.
“The safety and wellbeing of our students and staff remain our priority,” it added.
Online classes, early break
The university's announcement comes nine days before the spring break ends on Sunday, March 22.
The break for schools and universities itself was brought forward after the UAE's Ministry of Education and Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research announced on March 4 that the holiday would begin early.
The previously announced break from March 16 to 29 was moved ahead to March 9.
The break applies to all students and academic and administrative staff across public and private schools as well as universities. Classes and official working hours will resume on Monday, March 23, the authorities had said.
That decision followed an earlier move to extend distance learning across the country until March 6, as authorities worked to keep the education process going in a safe environment ever since the war broke out.
