MOE seeking to address technical issues with virtual learning platform

MOE seeking to address technical issues with virtual learning platform

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Ministry of Education has advised that technical difficulties experienced yesterday prohibited many students from gaining access to its online Learning Management System.

Yesterday officially marked the start of government schools across the country.

Students were engaged by a variety of instructional models, from face to face, hybrid or virtual.

However, shortly before 9am some parents, teachers and students found that they were unable to access the virtual learning platform.

Those issues continued throughout the day.

“The Department of Education did experience some technical challenges which prohibited many students from gaining access to our Learning Management System (LMS),” the ministry said in a statement.

“Thankfully, most of our school administrators and teachers were able to implement alternative modes of online instructional delivery using their ‘Plan B’.”

The statement noted that One on One and Amazon Web Services – the companies responsible for hosting the LMS – were working to address the issues experienced.

“It is hoped that these challenges will be resolved shortly,” it added.

“…The Ministry of Education wishes to thank school administrators, teachers, parents, and students for their understanding and patience, as we work collaboratively to deliver on our mission of providing quality education to all students throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.”

Despite the COVID-19 crisis, the Department of Education said it is pleased with the progress that has been made since the official start of the 2020 – 2021 academic year last Monday.

Last week, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced reinstated restrictive measures, suspending in-person learning for students on New Providence and Abaco, amidst the increase in COVID-19 cases.

About Sloan Smith

Sloan Smith is a senior digital reporter at Eyewitness News, covering a diverse range of beats, from politics and crime to environment and human interest. In 2018, Sloan received a nomination for the “Leslie Higgs Feature Writer of The Year Award” from The Bahamas Press Club for her work with Eyewitness News.