It is very important that within a few months, distance education and distance learning are now a reality for the public school, said in an interview with KYPE, the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth, Prodromos Prodromou.
Answering a question about the data available for distance education to date, Mr. Prodromou said that at the present stage, the courses are proceeding normally in about fifty high schools and technical schools.
"In the very few cases where CYTA was not able for technical reasons to upgrade the network to the extent that it is needed immediately, within the previous period, other solutions have been given and there is normally distance learning. "In general, it is very important that within a few months, distance learning and distance learning are now a reality for the public school," he added.
Within the next month, the Minister of Education continued, more than two thousand electronic devices will be available in schools, "since for this purpose it was possible to make some modifications in the bidding process and then our supplier will be able to bring almost two thousand laptops that could not be found in the markets in the past ".
He also said that logistics and electronic equipment are of course the important condition and are moving forward.
"As is well known, we also aim through programming that evolves into full equipment for all schools. It's something I think has happened before the end of next year. However, the big bet is rather the pedagogical approach. Not only the training and familiarization of our teachers as a whole, but also the development of pedagogy through digital media. You know; I constantly hear comments of controversy and criticism, there are some who like to nullify. In our schools, however, at this time, excellent work is being done. "The samples of good practices that we saw last Monday in the teleconference organized by the Ministry, by teachers of both Primary and Secondary Education, are impressive", he added.
These, continued Mr. Prodromou, must be seen by those who dispute.
"But usually they are content with aphorisms without even being informed. Our schools and teachers are slowly winning the bet of the digital age. "Personally, I believe that this is a great success of the public school and those who believe in the public school must be filled with trust", he noted.
As confidence and optimism, said the Minister of Education, create the very good news that came with the results of the international research TIMSS for Mathematics and Natural Sciences, which were published last week.
"Very good results for both elementary and high school children. Our education compares favorably with that of most other European countries. These must be seen by those who are content to constantly criticize. To realize that we must continue on the path of quality upgrade. The ideology "less material - no exams" pushes us down. "Our own children and teachers are pushing us forward and we must follow them."
Four months - Evaluations
To the complex question, that this week the schools are closed for the holidays and what about the new year with the evaluations, the four months, for which there are some calls from parents, teachers, children, not to be made, when the schools open and What is the Ministry of Education planning, the Minister of Education replied that "yes, the dates are given".
"Wednesday, December 23, is the last day and then we return on Thursday, January 7, 2021. We are very much looking forward to this new year. Of course, things will not change from January 1, it will take a long time. But we now know that we have a medically reliable solution, vaccination, that this evil will end in the new year. So 2021 is announced as the "year of redemption". After the Christmas holidays, the first four months end around mid-January. "First and second high schools and technical schools, except for the unexpected, will have the written exam of the first four months", he added.
It would be wrong, Mr. Prodromou continued, at the moment when the school year is progressing satisfactorily, "to make a decision that casts shadows".
"Because someone who claims that the written exam cannot be done, is like saying that the school year is not progressing satisfactorily. What should be done then? Extend the first four months and maybe finally the whole year or say it was not a valid school year? Teaching proceeds under the circumstances very satisfactorily and the evaluation is part of the same teaching program. The goal is, if we can, to win the year, not to cast doubt and shadow on it. "I do not know if it is understood, but such a discussion is to the detriment of the students," he noted.
Besides, the Minister of Education said, if the written examination is not done in parts, that is, half in January, it should be done for the whole at the end of the year.
"This is provided by the regulations. Is it in favor of children, in a difficult year, to have to be examined at the end for the whole teaching of the year? The addresses in the Ministry, in collaboration with the inspections of all the courses and the schools, take into account the special conditions of this year, recording what has been taught everywhere, and then, in writing, there will be a mitigation approach of any difficulties in the database as formulated. He added.
Commenting on what it means that the examination will take place "unexpectedly", Mr. Prodromou said that "I mean if there is no need, with any worsening of the conditions and some health directive that does not allow the examination to take place".
Vaccines
Asked what is planned for vaccines, that is, there will be a plan to encourage teachers, parents, children to be vaccinated when the time comes, the Minister of Education replied that "like everyone else we are waiting for the vaccine to end this catastrophic pandemic ”.
"The Government, through the Ministry of Health, has provided for our country to be provided with vaccines for the entire population and has drawn up a complete vaccination plan. Of course, some groups will be given priority as a matter of priority, but gradually there will be vaccinations for all. This planning includes schools, students, teachers and other employees. We are in consultation with the Ministry of Health and when the time comes, announcements will be made. Indeed, as you say, the Ministry of Education will explain the necessity and usefulness and will encourage children and families. "In this I am sure that we will have supporters and our teachers", he added.
Asked if he would be vaccinated himself, Mr. Prodromou answered in the affirmative, saying that "of course I will be vaccinated".
"Once the European authorities have considered and judged that these vaccines are safe and effective, why not vaccinate someone? And it is not just a matter of personal protection, but as we all know, in order to finally deal with the pandemic, mass vaccination must be done. I listen to the discussions made by some, but I believe that the people of Cyprus will look mature in this case and will behave rationally and prudently. "Personally, I will make sure that I am vaccinated as soon as possible, depending on our general planning", he added.
Budget
Answering a question on how and how education is affected by the budget vote, the Minister of Education said that "if we operate without a budget, with twelve billion, then the development part of the budget of the Ministry of Education can not proceed".
"For example, projects scheduled to start in January cannot start. Like the construction of a number of primary schools. In Geri, in Ypsonas, in Kyperounta, in Timi and others.
Or even the kindergarten that is so expected in Paphos and on which other projects depend, as well as the projects in Paralimni High School. "But in other areas, if we have only one-twelfth of 2020 available instead of those planned for 2021, we will have several complications," he added.
Undoubtedly, Mr. Prodromou continued, "it is a very embarrassing situation that will damage the proper functioning of services to the world, but also to society as a whole."
"I think that the prudent citizen will find it difficult to understand why society should be subjected to such suffering and may even be harmed. "What does the claim have to do with, as a preliminary and contrary to the opinion of the Attorney General, a second audit while the subject matter is being investigated by an investigative committee?" He concluded, wondering.