Classes in Medina were suspended today and switched to remote learning due to rain
Educational and training authorities in the Madinah region announced the suspension of in-person classes for Tuesday, and the conversion of the educational process to a distance learning system, in response to reports from the National Center for Meteorology that warned of heavy rainfall that the region and its governorates may witness.
Taibah University and Public Education: Immediate Response
In a proactive step to ensure the safety of lives and property, Taibah University decided to suspend in-person classes at its main campus and all its branches in the governorates, relying on the Blackboard system to continue lectures. Simultaneously, the General Directorate of Education in the Madinah region issued a similar decision encompassing all its affiliated schools, whereby students will continue their school day via the "My School" platform, thus ensuring the continuity of the curriculum despite the weather conditions.
Technical training and specialized institutes
The decision was not limited to general and university education, but also included the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, the Technical College for Tourism and Hospitality, and the Institute of the Prophet's Mosque. These entities directed their trainees and students to use approved electronic platforms such as "Taqni Platform" and "E-Training Platform," confirming that this measure applies to all branches in the governorates within the region.
The importance of the decision and the context of public safety
This decision comes within the framework of the mechanism agreed upon between the Ministry of Education, the National Center for Meteorology, and Civil Defense, which grants education directors and university administrators the authority to suspend classes based on weather conditions. These measures are particularly important in the Madinah region due to its geographical features, including numerous valleys and ravines, which could pose a risk during heavy rainfall and flash floods. The primary aim of suspending in-person classes is to alleviate traffic congestion and protect students and staff from road hazards during severe weather conditions.
Digital infrastructure: Ensuring the continuity of education
The smooth and rapid transition from in-person to remote learning, without any disruption to the educational process, reflects the robust digital infrastructure that Saudi Arabia has invested in over the past years. Remote learning has become a successful strategic alternative, eliminating the concept of "school closures" that was prevalent in the past during natural disasters or heavy rains. This digital transformation aligns with the goals of Vision 2030 to enhance e-government and smart education, ensuring the sustainability of educational services under all circumstances.
The relevant authorities always stress the need to follow official alerts issued by the National Center for Meteorology and to comply with the instructions of the Civil Defense, to ensure everyone’s safety during rainy conditions.
