Suspension of studies in Qassim: University and colleges switch to distance learning
Qassim University, in coordination with relevant authorities, announced that in-person classes for tomorrow, Thursday, will be conducted remotely via approved online platforms. This decision applies to all university students across all campuses and branches. This precautionary measure was taken in response to reports from the National Center for Meteorology indicating weather fluctuations that may affect travel safety in the region.
In a related context, the General Directorate of Technical and Vocational Training in the Qassim region made a similar decision, as it was decided to suspend in-person training in all technical colleges, industrial institutes and training institutes in the region, and to adopt distance training for all trainees, male and female, in addition to the staff of training facilities, in order to ensure everyone’s safety and in line with the weather warnings.
The importance of digital transformation in ensuring the continuity of the educational process
This swift and flexible approach is clear evidence of the success of Saudi Arabia’s digital education infrastructure. For years, the Kingdom has invested heavily in e-learning systems such as Blackboard in universities and technical training platforms, making the transition from in-person to remote learning a viable and effective option to ensure the continuity of education during emergencies. This transformation reflects the technological maturity achieved by Saudi educational institutions, where weather conditions are no longer a reason to disrupt studies, but rather an opportunity to leverage digital learning tools.
Air traffic context and safety standards
These decisions are typically based on the automated early warning system of the National Center for Meteorology, which classifies weather conditions according to their severity. The Qassim region, due to its geographical location in the heart of Najd, is prone to seasonal weather fluctuations that may include heavy rainfall, flash floods, or dense dust storms that reduce horizontal visibility. Regional authorities, education departments, and universities prioritize the safety of lives, opting for the precautionary measure of suspending in-person classes to avoid any risks arising from traffic congestion during rain or storms.
Instructions for Civil Defense and relevant authorities
In conjunction with these decisions, the General Directorate of Civil Defense calls upon citizens and residents to exercise caution and vigilance in such circumstances, to stay away from floodplains and valleys, and to adhere to the instructions announced through official media outlets. This collaboration between educational, security, and meteorological authorities underscores the state's commitment to managing natural disasters with high professionalism, ensuring the continuity of public life while maintaining the highest safety standards.
