Distance learning in the UAE will be different this time than it was during Covid
[Editor’s Note: This article is part of Khaleej Times’ Schools and Parents, a dedicated section designed to support families in the UAE as they explore educational choices. The section offers explainers, guidance from education leaders, expert advice and insights from parents to help readers make informed decisions about schools, curricula and communities.]
When schools across the UAE shifted to distance learning on 2 March 2026 due to the US‑Israel‑Iran conflict, the transition was far smoother. Unlike in early 2020, when parents were thrust into the role of co-teachers overnight, homes didn’t feel like chaotic classrooms.
Back then, families juggled work-from-home schedules, students struggled with unfamiliar digital platforms, and teachers scrambled to adapt.
Today, five years on, schools and parents say the experience is much better. Institutions in the UAE are now far more prepared, with digital platforms running seamlessly and lessons designed to engage students while supporting their wellbeing.
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We spoke with educators, psychologists, and parents to explore how online learning has evolved, the lessons learned from Covid, and how families can help children thrive in online education today.
Parents are no longer navigating uncertainty alone—they are partners in a system built to support children and families alike.
Highlighting this evolution, Nargish Khambatta – Principal, CEO of GEMS Modern Academy and EVP, Education, of GEMS Education – highlighted the shift in learning approaches, saying, 'There is also a strong shift towards blended learning, where different modes of learning work together. Online environments have created new forms of inclusion. Students who were quieter in physical classrooms often contribute more confidently in digital discussions.”
How did schools manage the sudden shift to online learning during Covid?
The switch to online learning was uncharted territory for everyone—from teachers to school leaders.
Brenden Owens, Computing Teacher and Digital Learning Head at Dubai British School, Jumeirah Park, recalls:
“Looking back to early 2020, one of the biggest challenges was that we were learning in real time. There was no universal blueprint. Staff confidence with EdTech varied, systems were emerging, and there was a high level of uncertainty. Today, the difference across Taaleem schools is significant. Many of the systems developed during Covid are now embedded in everyday practice.”
Andrea Higgins, Vice Principal at Sunmarke School, adds:
“The vast majority of educators had not been trained to teach online, so there was understandable pressure as schools rapidly built new systems and supported staff to adapt almost overnight. Today, teachers are far more confident and capable, and schools have robust systems already in place.”
How has online learning improved since the pandemic?
The lessons of Covid have led to major improvements in both teaching and learning.
David Williams, of Regent International School at Fortes Education, explains:
“One of the most important lessons was the need to support both academic progress and wellbeing. Students now have clearer systems to stay connected to learning and the school community. Regular check-ins, structured routines, and consistent communication with families provide stability.”
Educators also note that digital strategies developed during the pandemic are now part of everyday practice:
Dr Jinto Sebastian, the principal of The Apple International School, said, “The effective integration of digital tools has enabled real-time feedback, differentiated instruction, and personalised learning pathways. Strategies such as flipped learning, collaborative problem-solving, and continuous formative assessment are now standard practice. Teachers are also increasingly using data analytics from digital platforms to inform instruction, identify learning gaps, and implement targeted interventions.”
Gamification has also become a powerful tool to motivate students. Andrea Higgins explains:
“When used purposefully, gamification complements high-quality teaching. Children are naturally motivated by challenge and competition, and we harness this through quizzes, timed challenges, and team tasks. The shift has been from simply delivering content online to designing learning experiences that are interactive, responsive, and rooted in strong pedagogy.”
How are schools supporting students’ emotional wellbeing?
Mental health and emotional support have become central to online learning. Many schools implement daily routines to help students feel connected and supported, including check-ins at the start and end of the day and tools such as Teams Reflect to monitor wellbeing.
David Williams highlights staff support:
“For teachers, there is greater awareness of workload and wellbeing. Leadership teams ensure expectations are realistic and support is available when needed.”
Psychiatrist Dr Shaju George of International Modern Hospital Dubai adds a cautionary note:
“While children today may appear more adapted to digital learning, lingering effects remain—reduced attention spans, lower tolerance for boredom, and reliance on instant stimulation. Parents and teachers should prioritise structured routines that separate learning, screen time, and offline activities. Physical movement, face-to-face social interaction, and creative play are essential.”
What do parents see as the main difference between then and now?
For many families, the contrast is clear.
Ana Rusu, a Moldavian resident, shares her experience:
“Remote learning hasn’t been easy for our family like many others. When it was first introduced during the pandemic, it came with stress, juggling routines, and constant adjustments. But over time, we’ve moved from reacting to challenges to handling them with more confidence and structure. Schools and families alike are now better prepared, and what once felt overwhelming has become a more flexible, supported part of education. My son has grown through this journey—he’s more independent, and children have learnt to navigate platforms on their own.”
Ayesha Khan, a mother of two, recalls the early chaos:
“When schools first shifted online in 2020, it felt chaotic and uncertain. Children were studying; my husband and I were working from home—we were all learning on the go. Now, even with disruptions from regional conflict, the experience is very different. There’s more structure, clearer communication, and better support from schools. As parents, we’re not scrambling the way we did five years ago. It still isn’t easy, but it feels far more manageable.”
How can parents help their children succeed in online learning?
Experts suggest three key strategies:
Routine and structure – Set clear start and end times for learning, schedule breaks, and separate offline and online activities.
Active engagement – Encourage children to participate fully, discuss learning points, and use collaborative platforms.
Wellbeing and balance – Ensure regular physical activity, social interaction, and creative play to offset screen time.
Dr Shaju George summarises the following:
“Children are navigating hybrid environments yet still struggle with emotional regulation, social confidence, and focus. Structured routines and varied activities are essential.”
