Haze: Parents, students adapt to online learning as schools close

KUALA LUMPUR: Parents and students have adeptly adjusted to online learning as schools in multiple states close due to poor air quality. Teachers have ensured smooth transitions by preparing digital materials and assignments, enabling uninterrupted education at home. In Kuala Lumpur, civil servant Marlina, 44, guided her 8-year-old daughter to her morning online classes while working an afternoon shift.

The child was used to online learning from her kindergarten days during the Covid-19 pandemic, making it easier to keep up with lessons. Teachers promptly provided assignment links and materials, easing the burden on parents. In Selangor, Razif Mat Arbak, 42, expressed relief that home-based learning kept his SPM candidate son focused on exam materials while avoiding outdoor air pollution concerns.

In Shah Alam, Raheemie Arifin, 39, supported the decision to close primary schools, emphasizing that younger children are more susceptible to air pollution risks. In Negri Sembilan, students utilized online platforms to study for upcoming tests, with teachers posting assignments on Google Classroom early in the morning. Form Two student Dania Irdina Mohd Hair Adnan, 14, noted that missing classes would mean losing valuable revision tips and sample questions.

In Johor, Muhammad Faiz Husin, 36, a frontline worker, said past experience with online learning helped parents manage their children's studies more systematically, though regular supervision is still needed to meet submission deadlines. In Melaka, implementation varied among schools, with some teachers conducting live streams while others shared exercises via messaging platforms.

Asmawati Ibrahim, 37, whose Year Three child attends school in Semabok, began lessons at 8am following the standard timetable for English, Islamic Education, Mathematics, and Science. Despite receiving instructions late at night, she found sufficient time to prepare printing materials and access interactive quizzes. Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek announced that schools in four states, including one district in Pahang, and Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya would be closed due to the worsening haze situation.