RIYADH: Saudi teachers have been facing their own learning curve after being forced to run lessons online in the wake of school closures due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Tutors from preschool to university level are having to come to terms with the new norm of remote learning but some have mixed feelings about the long-term prospects of virtual classroom teaching.
Since the start of the global health crisis, video meeting platform Zoom has been one of the most popular communication tools for people working from home. In June, the US tech company announced a 169 percent increase in its revenues on the previous year, while the number of daily users rose to 300 million.
Other platforms, both local and international, have also seen a rise in usage for educational purposes.
The Saudi Ministry of Education’s online school platform, Madrasati, provides the Kingdom’s students with more than 120 hours of content every day and the likes of YouTube have seen a marked increase in the number of visitors accessing educational videos.
But while Zoom, Blackboard, Moodle, and other learning management systems have made many educators’ jobs easier, the transition from physical to virtual classrooms has not been without its hiccups.
Reham Ali Kutbi, a high school teacher from Makkah who tutors in Al-Abwaa, told Arab News that while the process had been bumpy, she was now ironing out the kinks.
“At the beginning, we had our fears and concerns regarding the new nature of the educational process. However, once we started and got the hang of it, it was quite smooth. Although we’ve had abundant technical difficulties, we have overcome them one by one,” she said.
For Kutbi, the most difficult part of teaching online was getting to know her new students.
“Tests and participation might reveal their (educational) levels, but they do not tell me much about their character. It is absolutely important for me to connect the subject with their hobbies and interests, to make them like it more,” she added.
Haya Al-Subaie, who teaches at the college level in Riyadh, said that while she enjoyed certain aspects of online learning, she was eager to return to in-person learning and that distance learning was not for her.
“The best part is being in the comfort of my home. I can nap between my classes or play video games. The worst part, however, is the teaching itself, which is mentally demanding. I always catch myself tense and frustrated after each class.
“Another tiring part is that my students assume I’m available 24/7. The emails never stop, and I’m tired,” she added.
Teacher of first-year university students in Riyadh, Sarah Al-Khalil, told Arab News that the technical difficulties of online learning far outweighed the convenience of being able to work from home.
“The best part of teaching from home is convenience. No more traffic and getting to be comfortable, whether by your setting or clothes. Technical issues are the worst part, if something is wrong, everyone’s time is wasted and patience runs thin,” she said.
She also found the inability to directly interact with her students difficult to deal with, especially being unable to monitor if they were fully participating in lessons.
“Students also often refuse to turn on their camera and/or their mics. The lack of interaction is frustrating,” she added.
After weeks of trial and error, the teachers had some advice for those still frustrated and struggling with online learning.
“Always have backup Wi-Fi, utilize the breakrooms, let students present and be involved as much as possible, and always consider students’ circumstances, means, and time. Online learning does not mean that students are available for a lecture 24/7,” said Al-Khalil.
Al-Subaie said: “Keep an open mind and constantly remind yourself that students are as frustrated as you are. We should always be patient and compassionate and take good care of your mental health.”
All three teachers agreed that distance learning had its uses, and that online classrooms could still be effective when the COVID-19 pandemic was over.
Al-Khalil said: “I like virtual classrooms, they are innovative, convenient, and suitable for revisions, presentations, and teaching listening skills.
“Moving forward, I think a combination of traditional classrooms and virtual classrooms need to coexist. Not every class requires physical attendance, and this should be addressed and implemented.”
Kutbi, however, said that while online classes came in handy, they should only be targeted for certain students. “In the end, I’d prefer that we go back to attending schools and keep distance learning for students who need improvement.”
Virtual classrooms present new learning curve for Saudi teachers
https://arab.news/yh9gc
Virtual classrooms present new learning curve for Saudi teachers
- Tutors from preschool to university level are having to come to terms with the new norm of remote learning
Saudi Arabia now 66 percent self-sufficient in grape production: MEWA
- National production in 2023 exceeded 122,000 tonnes
- 7.13 million grapes planted in over 4,720 hectares of land
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's grape production surpassed 122,000 tonnes in 2023, reflecting the growth of the local agricultural sector and its ability to meet a big portion of market demands, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported Saturday.
The figure accounts for 66 percent of current market demand in the Kingdom, said the report, citing a statement by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, or MEWA.
MEWA said more than 7.13 million grape plants, with more than 6.1 million bearing fruit.
In a separate report last year, the ministry reported a grape production area of 4,720 hectares across the Kingdom.
The same report highlighted Tabuk as the top grape-producing region, yielding 46,939 tonnes annually, adding that Qassim, Hail, and Asir also contributed significantly to the national production.
Grape farming is considered profitable because of the ease of cultivation in various soils with minimal water requirements. The plant could easily adapt to various climates in Saudi Arabia.
To encourage farmers to plant grapes, the ministry has assured its continuing efforts to support and empower them by providing modern technologies, such as smart irrigation systems and organic farming.
The ministry also aims to encourage increased local fruit consumption, saying that grapes are packed with nutrients, and have health benefits.
The harvest season for grapes is from June to September, the ministry said.
Recycled ihrams promoting eco-friendly pilgrimage
- Sustainable Ihram initiative launched by Culture Ministry
- Tonnes have been recycled, says Fashion Commission CEO
JEDDAH: With the arrival of Ramadan and many Muslims from around the world performing Umrah, a compulsory garment for male worshippers is the ihram, a simple, white garment symbolizing purity, unity and devotion.
The ihram is a critical part of the Umrah and Hajj experience, consisting of two pieces of unstitched cloth.
The Ministry of Culture’s Fashion Commission recently introduced its Sustainable Ihram initiative, which focuses on recycling and repurposing used ihrams.
The project aims to not only honor sacred Islamic traditions but also contribute to the protection of the planet by embracing eco-friendly solutions.
Previously used garments are transformed into new, sustainable ihrams through a circular, textile recycling system.
The initiative is a collaboration with the Saudi Investment Recycling Co. and the eco-fashion firm Tadweem.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Tadweem is a Saudi eco-friendly company focused on improving sustainability in the fashion industry through initiatives such as textile recycling.
• Saudi Arabia’s Fashion Commission and Tadweem installed 336 collection bins in Mina to gather several tonnes of ihrams, and worked with partners to transform them into new fabric.
It aims to promote sustainable practices, raise consumer awareness about fashion recycling, and support the development of a circular textile economy in Saudi Arabia.
Recognizing that millions of ihrams are manufactured and discarded annually, the commission identified an opportunity to reduce the large volume of textile waste.
Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission, told Arab News: “Ihram is not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of fashion, but at the same time, it’s a product that is sold and used in volumes, repeated every year, especially during Hajj.”
He continued: “We wanted to create the first circular product in the country, and what better way to start than with ihram, a textile deeply linked to Saudi Arabia’s religious and cultural heritage.”
“To make this possible, we installed 336 collection bins in Mina, gathered several tonnes of ihrams, and worked with partners to transform them into new fabric, creating a fully circular process,” Cakmak explained.
The collected garments underwent a meticulous recycling process: sorting, cleaning, shredding, and reweaving into fresh ihrams, which “pilgrims can use with a deeper sense of purpose.”
“There is no better way to do this than for your religious pilgrimage, where you want to focus on spirituality, the core values of purity, and ensure that the product you wear represents how pure your thoughts are as you go through that journey,” Cakmak said.
We wanted to create the first circular product in the country, and what better way to start than with ihram, a textile deeply linked to Saudi Arabia’s religious and cultural heritage.
Burak Cakmak, Fashion Commission CEO
Mustafa Bukhari, the CEO of Tadweem, told Arab News about their production process. “Currently, manufacturing is done outside Saudi Arabia, but our plans include moving the manufacturing operations inside the Kingdom.”
Tadweem is a Saudi Arabia eco-friendly company focused on improving sustainability in the fashion industry through initiatives such as textile recycling.
For this project, the ihrams were converted into raw materials in Dubai, sent to Turkiye for manufacturing, and then returned to the Kingdom.
“We have ensured that the entire product is made from recycled materials, including the packaging and bags used, with no environmentally harmful materials,” Bukhari said.
He added: “The main material is recycled cotton, which we used in the ihrams and even in the packaging, where we also made the packaging bags from recycled cotton, ensuring the environmental sustainability of the entire product.”
At the Jeddah Hajj and Umrah conference held in January this year, Tadweem showcased how the fabric from recycled ihrams was incorporated into high-quality leather bags.
Priced at SR98 ($25.98), the ihrams are currently available in Madinah, with the distribution to be expanded to Makkah, major airports, and other regions in the future.
They will also be available via a dedicated store for sustainable ihrams in the Kingdom, and at the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah, which runs until May 25.
Cakmak said: “The hope is that we are highlighting the importance of sustainability not just through art and creativity, but through everyday products that people can adopt.
“This is about offering a conscious choice, aligning the spiritual journey with sustainability.”
Spirituality meets sustainability at Indian Consulate iftar in Jeddah
- The Indian ambassador, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, spoke about the significance of Ramadan, highlighting its values of reflection, compassion and service
JEDDAH: Warmth and unity reigned supreme at an iftar organized by the Consulate General of India in Jeddah to celebrate Ramadan.
The event featured organic flavors to highlight the theme of sustainability and brought together a distinguished group of guests including representatives of the Saudi government, diplomatic community, Indian diaspora, and leaders from sectors such as business, media and culture.
The Indian ambassador, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, spoke about the significance of Ramadan, highlighting its values of reflection, compassion and service. He emphasized the strong ties between his country and the Kingdom, particularly in areas like trade, cultural exchange and sustainable development.
FASTFACTS
• The Indian ambassador, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, spoke about the significance of Ramadan, highlighting its values of reflection, compassion and service.
• Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri discussed the consulate’s focus on sustainability and the growing importance of organic farming in India and beyond.
Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri reflected on “Organic Iftar,” the theme of the evening, and discussed the consulate’s focus on sustainability and the growing importance of organic farming in India and beyond.
The iftar featured a variety of dishes representing the rich flavors of India, made using organic ingredients to reflect not only a commitment to health and wellness but also to protect the environment for future generations.
These were supplied by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, Government of India, with additional support from local partners like LuLu Group and Siafa Dates.
Al-Azm Mosque in AlUla latest to undergo restoration in crown prince project
- The mosque, which dates back more than 14 centuries to the era of the Prophet Muhammad, holds significant historical and religious importance
RIYADH: The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques has expanded to include the restoration of Al-Azm Mosque in AlUla, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The mosque, which dates back more than 14 centuries to the era of the Prophet Muhammad, holds significant historical and religious importance.
It is believed that the Prophet Muhammad marked his direction of prayer at the site using bones while en route to the Battle of Tabuk in the ninth year of the Hijra, SPA added.
The renovation will be carried out in the traditional architectural style of Madinah, and will ensure the mosque can accommodate up to 580 worshippers.
The project will use natural materials, including clay, stone, and wood sourced from local trees. Historically built with stone and plastered interior walls, the mosque has undergone multiple architectural changes over the centuries.
A key feature of the restoration will be the use of cut stones of varying sizes, bonded with clay mortar, and palm tree components for roofing, providing both structural support and insulation, SPA reported.
The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques seeks to strike a balance between traditional craftsmanship and modern construction standards, ensuring the preservation of historic mosque elements while integrating sustainable development practices.
The restoration efforts are being carried out by Saudi firms specializing in heritage architecture.
Al-Azm Mosque’s updates come as part of a broader initiative, which in its second phase includes the rehabilitation of 30 mosques across all 13 regions of Saudi Arabia.
This phase follows the successful completion of the first phase, which restored 30 mosques across 10 regions.
KSrelief’s global efforts to empower women highlighted at UN session
- KSrelief has implemented 1,072 projects to support women in 79 countries, at a total cost of more than $723 million
NEW YORK: Saudi aid agency KSrelief took part in a high-level session at UN Headquarters in New York City recently as part of the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women.
During the session, the agency highlighted its global efforts to empower women, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
KSrelief has implemented 1,072 projects to support women in 79 countries, at a total cost of more than $723 million.
The projects include vocational training programs and entrepreneurship support for Yemeni women, healthcare schemes, and initiatives to combat gender-based violence through awareness campaigns and survivor support programs.
