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Schools across the UAE resumed the new academic term online, but for many families, the shift has once again blurred the lines between home, work and school.
Dining tables have turned into shared desks, bedrooms into quiet corners for lessons, and parents are balancing office deadlines alongside supervising their children’s learning.
International curriculum schools began their third term virtually, following directives for both public and private institutions. The country extended distance learning for all students until Friday, April 3, prioritising safety amid ongoing regional developments. The move follows an earlier transition to remote classes on March 2 and a subsequent spring break that lasted until March 22.
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For working parents, the return to online learning has meant reconfiguring daily routines — often on the go. Some are relying on household help, while others are logging into meetings from kitchen counters, keeping one eye on emails and the other on their children’s screens.
Between work calls and wandering attention
For Springs resident Lucy Grant, the day began on a promising note, with structured lessons helping children ease back into learning. But like many parents, she soon realised that independent learning requires closer supervision than it appears.
“The morning started off well, with live sessions from the teachers keeping my son engaged and focused. Later, the teacher uploaded tasks on the Toddle app for the children to complete. I thought my son was working on them while I handled my office work downstairs. My husband was busy with his work calls too. Then, I suddenly heard the clatter of something upstairs. Curious, I went to check and found him in his room, door closed, throwing darts at the dartboard!”
Lucy’s son’s room
Grant said the moment reflected how quickly children can drift when left on their own, even if they appear to be on track.
“When I gently confronted him, he opened his workbook to show me that he’d actually completed half the tasks and was just taking a short break to recharge. Kids are mischievous…they can think up the most creative excuses.”
Her experience captures a familiar rhythm in many UAE homes — structured virtual lessons interspersed with moments of distraction, requiring parents to step in between their own commitments.
Nighat’s 5-year-old daughter
Homes running multiple classrooms at once
For larger families, the challenge multiplies. Nighat Malik, a mother of four daughters, described how her household now operates like several classrooms running simultaneously.
“All four of them are currently doing distance learning, and it has completely transformed the rhythm of our home. I have to sit with our five-year-old throughout her classes, pausing everything else — even household chores and cooking, just to help her keep up. Simple things like muting and unmuting are still difficult for her to manage on her own, so she needs constant supervision.
Each of my daughters has her own device, and they’re spread across different rooms, following completely different schedules. The youngest starts as early as 8am, while my daughter in Grade 8 logs in closer to 8.30 or 8.45am. The two older ones are attending university classes, so from morning until afternoon, the house feels like it’s been turned into multiple classrooms running at once. The youngest, in particular, has back-to-back sessions and was really struggling this morning — she had been so excited to return to school after the long break.
It’s also been challenging for us as parents. If my husband has an important work-related interview or meeting, he often has to move from room to room — sometimes even to the kitchen — just to find a quiet space. Managing everyone’s needs at the same time has been overwhelming this morning.”
Her account highlights the logistical strain many families are navigating—from device availability and scheduling conflicts to the emotional adjustment of younger children returning to screens after a break.
First-day hurdles
Schools, meanwhile, say the transition has largely been smooth, though not without expected first-day hurdles.
Anita Stewart, Principal, Dubai Schools Al Barsha said, “We have had a positive and encouraging start overall, with the vast majority of students joining their classes and connecting with their teachers from the outset.
As expected on the first day, we are seeing a small number of practical and emotional adjustments, particularly around device access at home and balancing learning within busy family routines. These are being addressed quickly through direct follow-up with families, and we are providing additional support, including loan devices where needed.”
To support sustained engagement and reduce screen fatigue, schools are providing a varied and thoughtfully structured learning experience. “This includes regular breaks, a balance of live and independent learning, and activities that encourage creativity and time away from devices.”
Schools are also extending support to educators adapting to the shift.
“Supporting our teachers remains a priority. Regular check-ins, collaboration, and open communication are helping teams to respond quickly and effectively. Colleagues continue to support one another, share best practices, and adapt as needed, ensuring that any challenges are addressed promptly,” added Stewart.
Dedicated online portal for parents
In parallel, institutions are strengthening communication with parents. Some schools are rolling out dedicated online portals that centralise essential information — from schedules and attendance guidelines to teacher contacts and technical support.
Ian Wallace, Director of Education, Cognita Middle East, said, “We know that families value clarity, consistency and confidence at times like this. Our approach has therefore been carefully designed to ensure that students continue to benefit from clear routines, high-quality teaching and regular connection with their teachers and school community.
Drawing on our global educational expertise across our network of schools, we are able to combine a research-informed framework with the flexibility for schools to adapt to their students’ needs, maintaining both excellence and continuity across our schools. Just as importantly, our dedicated parent portals will help ensure families have clear, practical guidance and feel fully supported throughout the online learning experience.”
Source: Khaleej Times