Parents of students of Abu Dhabi schools have been asked to share their opinion on their preferred choice of education model for children in the coming weeks.

The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek) has organized a survey to assess whether parents choose remote education or physical learning model for their children. The survey consisted of basic questions about parents and schools attended by their children. It also asked if children attended physical classes during last term and the preferred education model by families for their children during coming few weeks.

Starting January 3, all Abu Dhabi schools began the second term with remote learning, to continue for two weeks.

Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee had said earlier that the move was a "precautionary measure" to curb Covid-19 spread and maintain emirate’s low infection rates.

Part of the comprehensive survey that concluded on January 11, was to measure parents’ opinions on their choice to send children back to school after remote learning for two weeks. The aim was to identify the most desirable and appropriate model of learning for students beginning next week.

Authorities said it was important for parents and guardians to put forward their opinions on the safest learning model they wish to continue with for the coming weeks under current situation of Covid-19.

Adek had identified four models of learning for students that parents had to choose from. These included distance or remote learning, hybrid learning model with alternate days or weeks of physical teaching and remote learning, gradual return to physical learning based on students’ age with a week apart and full return to in-class lessons.

Parents were also asked for their option of learning for their children if the physical learning at school is unavailable. They were given three options - remote learning, hybrid learning in rotation for weeks (a week at school for in-class lessons and a week of remote learning), and gradual return to physical learning for age groups with a week apart.

The survey also included questions about the families' ability to manage their children while remote learning - whether the parents can work remotely from home or if someone was there at home to help with the kids during remote learning or if children were old enough and did not need supervision during distance learning.

Results of the survey haven’t been published yet.

According to Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee, testing campaigns will be ramped up during the first two weeks of the second term for school staff. The situation would be monitored about preparation as students return to face-to face learning.