DUE to the sharp rise in Covid-19 education clusters in the country lately, the government should strongly consider allowing schools and universities to go back to the online teaching and learning process for another period of time until we are really able to control the spread of the virus and the environment is safe and conducive for us to conduct in-person classes.

With the nation still grappling with a high number of cases, and the emergence of Omicron, the question we need to ask ourselves is, is it really safe for schools and universities to reopen for in-person classes? Let us to revert to online lessons for now. There may be some complaints over the virtual process, but relevant parties can take immediate steps to make the necessary improvements and adjustments.

Virtual learning is not something new. Our country implemented this mode in 2020 and 2021. By now, everyone should be able to adapt. As such, it would not be a big a problem for us to bring back online teaching and learning. What is important now is the safety of our students. Students need to feel safe to better focus on their studies. It would be hard to do so if they are overly anxious over the spread of Covid and its variants.

In the meantime, both the education and higher education ministries should immediately initiate a back-up plan if Covid cases continue to spike in the coming days and weeks. The plan should include virtual learning, and also consider the financial burden on schools and universities, as well as parents and students, who need to make preparations for the resumption of physical classes.

The ministries need to draft out the plan and announce it as soon as possible to enable the different parties to make the necessary preparations. This is very important to stop the spread of Covid-19 itself and to ensure the safety and health of our students in educational institutions.

In the long run, the government should consider making online lessons part of the national education policy, and use it to strengthen our education system. More funds should be allocated to ensure its success. Our educators and students need to be given enough facilities and more training to make online teaching and learning a permanent reality, not just something to be utilised during an emergency period. – February 3, 2022.

* Dr Muzaffar Syah Mallow reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.