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‘Not everyone is crying out to rush back into the classrooms’- Dr Wheatley

- said some painting online learning as a disaster for political gains
Both public and private schools will be subjected to the rules once approved to re-open. Photo: VINO/File
Minister for Education Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries, and Agriculture, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (D7) says that contrary to the picture of disaster being painted by some for political gains, COVID-19 online schooling has been a success. Photo: Facebook/File
Minister for Education Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries, and Agriculture, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (D7) says that contrary to the picture of disaster being painted by some for political gains, COVID-19 online schooling has been a success. Photo: Facebook/File
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI - Minister for Education Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries, and Agriculture, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (D7) says that, contrary to the picture of disaster being painted by some for political gains, COVID-19 online schooling has been a moderate success.

Speaking on the Thursday, October 22, 2020, edition of Honestly Speaking on ZBVI 780AM, Dr Wheatley said the plan to re-open schools also came to allow some students to return to the classroom due to challenges. 

“Because of course, some persons are saying that the online [schooling] is a complete disaster, hyperbole for their own, again, political selfish benefit," he said.

Hon Wheatley continued: “I've had many persons come to me and tell me you know what, I really don't want to go back to school because my child is thriving so well with the online learning, some of them worried about their children being bullied at school that the child is so comfortable doing online learning.”

Some students require in-class teaching - Dr Wheatley 

Dr Wheatley said while school authorities will be working to address complaints of bullying and other concerns, the call to re-open schools is not collective.

“I'm just saying, not everyone is crying out that they want to rush back into the classroom but of course we recognise that there are some individuals who really would need to come back into the classroom.”

He said due to the challenges in terms of homeschooling and home care, the government has adopted a phased approach to put students back into the classrooms and not because of what is being peddled- that online learning is a disaster.

18 Responses to “‘Not everyone is crying out to rush back into the classrooms’- Dr Wheatley”

  • facts (26/10/2020, 12:19) Like (19) Dislike (2) Reply
    I agree, some students have been thriving with online schooling. The mostly reserve students tend to be the ones who are doing well. Some need to be in the classroom because they don't have the discipline to work unsupervised. Then there are those who need their friends!
    • Hmm (26/10/2020, 12:31) Like (21) Dislike (2) Reply
      I think parents should have had the option to choose online or In-class setting. Some students have been doing very well with the On-line and they even like it better than In-class. Then there those who needs the In-class because they learn better that way. It should have been optional and not a One Size fits All.
      • @hmm (26/10/2020, 21:14) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
        Totally agree with you.

        The children who out to school ARE NOT wearing masks especially in the afternoons. Drive around the open schools see them. it's like nothing going around. Yes the children are happy to be frolicking with one another BUT WE ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF A PANDEMIC.Tis sickening man
  • Well Sah (26/10/2020, 13:25) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
    STRANGE HOW PEOPLE ARE NOT CRYING OUT FOR CLASS ROOMS BUT ARE CRYING OUT FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA
  • True (26/10/2020, 13:42) Like (8) Dislike (7) Reply
    my son went from a C- student to a straight A student last term and startof this term. Blended learning would be good as he isobviously not getting what he needs at school full time.
    • Really (26/10/2020, 14:18) Like (8) Dislike (4) Reply
      Who is doing the work for the child while they are at home. Maybe that person needs to become a teacher. Be careful what you post on social media.
    • ... (26/10/2020, 15:41) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
      Because at home it practically a open book test
    • HAHA (28/10/2020, 07:04) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      This is funny. The ultimate measure of a school aged child is in the classroom both socially and academically. Some parents tired do the work for children and then coming on here saying crap. Your child is really a C student my dear. Stop doing his/her work for them.
  • Bull Dawg (26/10/2020, 14:09) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Online schooling was a great challenge for my child and I.
    The much younger kids needs supervision most times, especially if their parents are not at home.
    I as a parent have learnt a great lot and I am happy I did.
    At the end of the day the students will have to return to school especially if there is not a responsible person at home to watch your child, or if you cannot afford to pay someone to be with them while you are at work.
    Not all employers would allow parents to find a corner on the jobsite to put their children.
    Some parent lost jobs because they could afford to pay someone to take care of their jobs, and now they are forced to evacuate their apartment since they could no longer pay their rent.
  • school (26/10/2020, 14:23) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    WE ARE GLAD TO SEE SCHOOL OPEN THE CHILDREM NEED TO LEARN AND NOT ONLY BY COMPUTER THANKS TO THE GOVERNMENT. THE CHILDREN NEED TO BE IN SCHOOL WHERE THEY CAN GET BETTER LEARNING AND [ARENTS CAN GO TO WORK.
  • Real (26/10/2020, 14:24) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Yes! I’ve been hearing so myself. Sadly only Sin D try to make it look like it’s a huge issue. More parents need to start talking up. It’s a challenge and the biggest issue is the internet vs the children; I believe Sin D can understand that!
  • Teacher (26/10/2020, 16:48) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
    I really beg to differ with the minister. The only reason students are getting A's is because an adult is there giving them all the answers. Plus its hard to give a fair quiz when the students have access to their notes and google. The students are logging on then going to play video games or watch you tube. The amount of times you calling peter paul or mary and they not responding. It is sooooo frustrating!!!
  • D (26/10/2020, 20:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    People who do not work are not asking that they have nothing to do because if they have to have responsibilities that they have to go to work, I cannot be involved in the online class and at work too, or we do something or we do nothing
  • LOVE AND TRUTH FROM ABOVE. (26/10/2020, 20:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    All sucessfull teachers good try wisely to expose the answers or know how to his or her students. Unsucessfull ones try keep his or her students like "Alice in wonderland. Question: Which of the following statements is better? Question 1. Gave students informations hope that by the own intellect, they will learn. Question 2. Teach students by means of verbal and practical methods. A train cannot be unless being lead by the engine. Students cannot become teachers if teachers keep the answers hidden in their minds. Answers should be given, not withhold. A good teacher does not lead his or her students to the foot of the mountain of success, and say to them: wait here, I am going to climb to the top. After he or she has climbed to the top, does he or she shout to the students saying, come? Or all from the foot of the mountain climb to the mountain top, being lead by the teacher? Love them without discemulation. Teach them ungrudgingly.
  • fact (27/10/2020, 02:22) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    As a paret I find some of these expat teachers are teaching grudgingly so that they can laugh at the children and say they donot know anything. We all go to school to learn and if teachers do not want to teach then go find another profession. The problem is, our mentality is we have to import anything. Tjis need to change utilize what you have it is not every body whi come and tell you they can do this can do it. Some of those certificates are not authentic.
  • Empress (27/10/2020, 16:48) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    INTERNET SUCKS for online schooling....and I dont have the patience with the reconnecting BS every five second...and my daughter gets annoyed very easily because she wants to learn....books and papers always win!!! shut your ass about politics gains...how about you and Barney do something about the sucks internet and while you at visit those homes where some people still DONT even have internet and thanks to the neighbour their kids can have access to the wifi...so yea back to the classroom is the best choice.


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