Must-Have Technology for Online Schools in UAE

You must be aware that online schooling has completely taken over the field of learning. Online schools have made premium-quality education accessible to students across the UAE. Your child can now learn from anywhere as long as they have access to the internet.

Are you also planning to enter the world of online schooling? To teach your child in an online school, you must be familiar with all the important technological needs of an online school.

What Makes Technology So Essential in Online Schools?

Technology is the backbone of online schooling. Without proper access to technology, your child cannot switch to online schooling.

Technology is a must-have factor for online schools as:

➢   A stable technological system ensures smooth learning for your child.

➢   It affects the quality of education and the engagement of your child.

➢   The academic results are also affected by a poor technical setup.

➢   Poor technical setup can also affect teacher-student communication.

What Digital Tools Are Must-Haves for Online Learning?

To ensure smooth learning for your child in an online school in Dubai, you must have a strong tech setup at home. Without a proper tech setup, your child might not be able to gain the best learning experience.

Here is a detailed guide for all technological needs for studying in an online school:

1. Devices Required

➢    You must have a perfectly working laptop or a tablet with you.

➢    You should also have a stable microphone and a good-quality camera connected to your device.

➢    NOTE: Do not rely on smartphones for online schooling, as their small screens make it difficult for your child to read content, view presentations, or complete assignments.

2.  Operating System:

➢    Make sure that your devices are compatible with reliable operating systems.

➢    Your device must be aligned with either Windows, macOS, or ChromeOS support for smooth operation.

3.  Internet connection:

➢    You must have a high-speed internet connection installed.

➢    Make sure that the internet connection remains stable to avoid discontinuity during online classes.

4. Learning Management System (LMS):

LMS, in simple terms, is the digital school building of an online school in UAE. It's a safe place for your child, which acts as an online classroom and school dashboard. It is used to create, manage, and track the academic courses of your child.

LMS is where:

●       📚 Your child's lessons are uploaded.

●       📝 Homework is given by the teacher and submitted by your child here.

●       📊 Grades and feedback can be tracked here along with progress reports.

●       💬 Students interact with teachers, join discussions, and attend live classes from here.

●       📅 Class timetables, exam dates, and deadlines are available here.

5. Video Conferencing & Communication Tools:

●      Learn about the tools commonly used for attending live classes without interruption.

●      Popular ones are Zoom and Teams, with features like screen sharing, live chat, breakout rooms, and more.

Smooth Tech Setup Vs Poor Tech Setup

To ensure a correct and effective tech setup for an American online school, you must know the difference between a poor and a smooth tech setup.

●       In a smooth tech setup, the internet connection is stable and of high speed, with no lag and clear audio-video during live classes, and no disconnections.

●       However, a poor setup will have unstable internet, and there will be interruptions during classes all the time.

●       A smooth tech setup includes an updated laptop or desktop with a good camera and microphone. On the other hand, a poor setup has an old device with a poor camera and mic.

●       A poor setup will be uncomfortable for your child, but a clear tech setup will have a dedicated and quiet study space.

Cyber Security, Safety, and Digital Responsibility

When enrolling in American online schools in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and the UAE, it is important to first analyze the online safety of your child. Make sure that the online school has a cyber-secure and safe system.

You must check for the following factors:

●      The American online school should maintain the data privacy of your child.

●      Check for child safety tools such as secure logins.

●      Ensure that there are secure monitoring features available.

The cyberattacks in the UAE for decades have been constantly increasing; hence, cybersecurity is a need right now for all families in the UAE.

Common Tech Challenges in Online Schooling

There are various technical challenges you might face in online schooling. It is therefore important to prepare beforehand to avoid issues later.

Here are common tech challenges and how to prevent them:

1. Unstable Internet

One of the main issues faced is poor internet connectivity. Due to this, your child may experience video lag and audio cuts. As a result, your child's learning will be affected too.

Solution- Use a stable internet connection and keep a mobile hotspot ready for backup

2. Old devices

Using an old laptop or tablet with outdated software can also act as a major challenge for your child's learning. Outdated laptops can hang, and your child may miss crucial parts of lessons.

Solution- Ensure that your laptop or device is updated to the latest software and apps.

3. Faulty Camera and Mic :

Your child is unable to hear properly during the live class or is unable to turn on the camera.

Solution- Check whether your camera and microphone are working properly before any online class.

4. Lack of technical knowledge :

Often, parents worry about not having enough technical knowledge. You may feel confused due to the lack of technological information.

Solution- To handle this challenge, you can simply follow a tech checklist.

QUICK-TECH-CHECKLIST for parents in UAE

• Stable internet connection
• Laptop or tablet (fully charged)
• Working camera & microphone
• Headphones for clear audio in a live class
• Required school apps installed
• Dedicated and quiet study room
  
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to some common questions from families in the UAE…

1. Why is technology essential for my child's online education?
Technology is the most important part of an online school. It ensures a smooth learning experience for your child without any distractions and interruptions.

2. What devices does my child require for online school?
Your child should have an updated laptop or tablet and a working camera and microphone for online schooling. Smartphones are not recommended for online classes.

3. What is LMS?
An LMS (Learning Management System) is an online school platform where the lessons and assignments are uploaded and submitted. It also provides the grades, feedback, progress reports, and schedules of your child.

4. How can I ensure my child’s safety in an online school?
To make sure that your child's data is secure, make sure to check the cybersecurity protocols of the online school, such as whether the school uses secure logins and child-safe features.

5. How can we handle technical issues in online schooling easily?
Make sure to keep your devices up-to-date and check the camera and mic before classes. Also, keep a backup internet connection ready in case of unstable connectivity.

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• American Online School in UAE
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