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As the new school year begins online this week, some have argued that students should no longer be denied face-to-face learning at school (“Open Hong Kong schools, for the children’s sake”,
August 26) and the Education Bureau has taken the initiative to allow students to return to campuses from September 23. Virtual classes are definitely not an ideal substitute, as they not
only slow the learning progress but, more importantly, negatively affect children’s mental health. Advertisement Since classes were suspended as a Covid-19 precaution, e-learning has been
adopted at almost every level of the education system, from very young learners in kindergarten to adults at evening classes. A new mode of learning and teaching has emerged in local
education – real-time online lessons through video communication software. This mode of learning requires additional discipline. As young learners are easily distracted, family support is
indispensable if children are to get the full benefit of real-time online learning. This is indeed a big obstacle for learners whose parents or caregivers are unable to provide necessary
assistance during online lessons. Also, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to conduct collaborative activities in an online environment, but that does not necessarily mean that
students cannot learn from each other in such a setting. 03:51 Hong Kong secondary students learn online amid coronavirus fears Hong Kong secondary students learn online amid coronavirus
fears No one knows when the pandemic will end. We should hope for the best, but all stakeholders in the education sector should also prepare for the worst, planning ahead for the best
strategies to continue quality learning and teaching for both virtual and physical classrooms. Advertisement