ArmInfo. In Armenia, involvement in distance education exceeds 80%. This was announced by Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia Zhanna Andreasyan at a press conference on April 7.
Andreasyan praised the measures taken to ensure distance education. So, at 08:30, the so-called public lessons are held on the air of the Public Television of Armenia, which also cover topics of interest not included in the school curriculum (choosing a career path, applying financial mechanisms, and so on). The analysis shows a great interest and wide audience reach. Further, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:40 p.m., television lessons continue on OTA, the main emphasis of which is placed on mathematics and the humanities.
Over 95 video lessons have already been recorded, and work on their creation is being conducted with high intensity. Video tutorials are available on YouTube, on the ministry's Facebook page, and on the Beeline platform. At the same time, cooperation with regional television companies is also carried out to reach a larger audience.
The deputy minister reported on ongoing negotiations with telecommunications companies to ensure access to educational programs with more affordable rates. So, this service is already available for VivaCell subscribers, Beeline and Ucom are next in line.
Andreasyan admitted that many teachers and schoolchildren do not have access to appropriate devices (computers, smartphones, tablets), which negatively affects the availability of distance education. At the moment, we are talking about a deficit of about 24 thousand devices, in connection with which the corresponding steps are being taken to fill this gap. So, about 600 devices were received as gifts from individuals and legal entities, most of which are completely new. All of them will be distributed between socially disadvantaged families, single parents and families with two or more children of school age. According to the deputy minister, 56 new tablets were handed over to the regions of Lori, Kotayk, Gegharkunik, Armavir, Syunik and Vayots Dzor. 81 devices were sent to Aragatsotn, 85 new computers were donated to the Tavush from the National Assembly. Both local and international organizations are involved in solving the problem. Thus, with the assistance of international partners, several hundred devices will be provided to beneficiaries.
As for the Last Call, the timing of exams and the possibility of conducting classes at the expense of the summer holidays, here, according to the Deputy Minister, relevant discussions continue, and the public will be informed about the final decision.