Impact of Children's Health and Distance Learning Quality on Educational Outcomes Assessed
In the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Almaty's schools have rolled out a comprehensive approach to ensure safety, continue education, and support families facing internet challenges.
According to Almaty.tv, a meeting was held under the guidance of Almaty's Akim, Baktijan Sagintayev. Attendees included heads of education departments like Lazzat Zhylkibaeva, digitalization, Bayan Konyrbaev, and Deputy Head of the Department of Quality and Safety Control of Goods and Services of Almaty, Aseel Kalykova, among others.
The meeting predominantly centered around the evaluation of school operations focusing on sanitary and epidemiological safety. The discussion confirmed the implementation of strict measures such as enforcing social distancing and mask regimes, providing an appropriate amount of disinfectants, and ensuring the functioning of school medical points. Other topics included the disposal of used protective equipment and the operation of ventilation systems.
Particular emphasis was placed on distance learning issues, utilizing educational platforms, improving internet connection speeds, and expanding free internet packages for families in need.
With around 207 state schools accommodating over 271,000 students, and 63 private schools housing over 16,000 students, Almaty's schools have stepped up to the challenge. While the majority of schools started the academic year in a distance format, two schools in the Kolsa and Sulusai microdistricts have been conducting classes in regular mode due to their isolation and low enrollment.
Since September 13, standby classes have been organized in city schools for 1-4 graders upon parents' requests, fortunately, no COVID-19 infections have been identified among these students and teachers to date.
The harsh reality of the pandemic has not been overlooked. Students without reliable internet access at home could face difficulties in their education. To address this issue, local authorities and schools are extending support by providing internet subsidies, free access to educational resources, and distributing devices like tablets or laptops to disadvantaged students. Additionally, community internet points or access centers are being established where needed.
In summary, Almaty's school system has demonstrated a robust response to the COVID-19 crisis by implementing stringent safety protocols, effectively incorporating distance learning technologies, and addressing the digital divide to maintain equitable education during these challenging times.
The meeting at Almaty's City Hall, led by Almaty's Akim, Baktijan Sagintayev, also focused on expanding support for health-and-wellness by ensuring every student has access to quality education-and-self-development, addressing the issue of students without reliable internet at home. This includes providing internet subsidies, free access to educational resources, and distributing tablets or laptops for disadvantaged students, as well as establishing community internet points or access centers when needed.
In an effort to prioritize science and self-improvement during this pandemic, Almaty's schools are not only enforcing strict safety protocols and improving distance learning technologies, but also extending support to students in need, recognizing that equitable education is essential for overcoming these challenging times.
