21/02/2013
The Higher Committee of Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning program today announced that it has visited and conducted briefings at three schools in Dubai who are in the process of implementing the first phase of the Smart Learning project. The committee was headed by H.E. Humaid Mohammed Obaid Al Qatami, Minister of Education and in the presence of H.E. Mohammed Ahmed Al-Qamzi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of TRA and H.E. Dr. Abdul-Qader Ibrahim Khayat, member of higher committee for the program and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of ICT Fund, Huda Al Hashimi, Executive Director, Policy & Strategy at UAE Prime Minister’s Office, Mohammed Gheyath, Director General of the Smart Learning program, in addition to members of the Executive Committee of the program (Kholoud Al Qasimi, Omar Al Mahmoud and Wesam Adib). The preliminary phase of the program will end in July 2013, and will set the foundation for the successful implementation of the Smart Learning program.
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, launched the ‘Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning’ program in April 2012 and aims to develop the educational environment via the deployment of state-of-the-art technology in UAE schools. This includes equipping students with laptops and provision of 4G internet networks that will enhance learning and elevate UAE academic standards to the highest levels.
The delegation who visited Ned alhamar, Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, and Omar bin al-Khattab schools were briefed on the steps being taken for the Mohammad Bin Rashid Smart Learning program which has resulted in significant development of advanced infrastructure in schools. The program has targeted 8 schools so far who are currently implementing the Smart learning for Arabic and English languages subjects, Mathematics and Sciences. The main objectives of the program aim to provide the latest technologies in Emirati schools; encourage collaborative learning amongst students and giving them the opportunity to learn and experience next generation technologies such as cloud computing.
During the visit, H.E. Humaid Mohammed Al Qatami said that the Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning program is a comprehensive project for a Smart Learning system and is the pillar of the digital-based school, supported by the education environment, and the educational, scientific, cultural and recreational facilities and infrastructure. H.E. the Minister of Education also said that it is supported by the equipment and means of highly technical education, and points out that it aims to achieve the UAE 2021 vision by providing a first-class educational system, high quality educational services as well as by achieving a number of general objectives including improving the academic results and linking the students to a knowledge-based society, by enabling the use of modern language and recent technological tools.
His Excellency also expressed his high optimism about achieving the goals established by the program, noting the importance of the strategic partnership that unites the Ministry of Education, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, and the ICT Fund, which he considers as one of the foremost national institutions supporting the educational process.
H.E. the Minister of Education also praised the program’s management and the cooperative team of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority and the Ministry, especially the efforts they are making to implement the qualitative improvements to the schools. HE also valued their role in implementing the program in the realm of education, all the while praising their efforts in aiding the Ministry to achieve its aspirations of reaching its goals.
For his part, H.E. Mohammed Ahmed Al-Qamzi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of TRA thanked H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his commitment to the development of education that aims to develop the country’s next generation workforce and realize the future ambitions and aspirations of the Emirati people. Commenting on the project, he said: “Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart learning program reflects the vision of his highness and his commitment and dedication to issues such as empowerment, education and nationalization, all of which aim to strengthen the Emirati knowledge capital. These elements are essential for socio-economic progress across multiple sectors in the country. Another key component is the usage of Information and Communications Technologies across businesses and education to help enable digital transformation.
H.E. Dr. Abdul-Qader Ibrahim Khayat, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of ICT Fund has indicated that the Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning program represents a practical step which reflects the insights and vision of the UAE leadership. He added that the provision of state-of-the-art technology in schools will help the UAE to have a world class educational environment as per global standards.
He added: “Our visit today has assured us that the preliminary phase of the program is being executed as per the set timeline, taking into consideration any directives come from H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.”
He concluded: “Education is an essential part of UAE’s vision 2021, and is necessary for sustainable development in the UAE. We are very pleased with what the ‘Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning’ program has achieved so far, and look forward to completing the preliminary phase as per the set timeline.”
Mohammed Gheyath, Director General of Smart learning program said: “The Smart learning program aims to provide the good environment and the needed possibilities to restructure the education system which has not been changed in government schools for over a century. With global advancements and economic changes, the education system in the UAE needs to be developed to cater to new requirements. By enabling advanced leaning through technology, the UAE learning community will be equipped with the tools they need to meet successfully the 21st century skills.”
He added: “We are also working to provide smart devices to students and teachers to facilitate a collaborative learning environment where a student’s strengths and weaknesses can be thoroughly evaluated.
The Smart Learning program will be implemented over the next five years in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and TRA represented by ICT Fund. The execution of the program runs in three phases: the first stage commenced in September 2012 and includes the preliminary phase, the application phase and the delivery phase.
During the preliminary phase which is divided into three sub-phases, teachers are being trained in the new approach and technology is being deployed in classrooms. In the first sub-phase which continues from September 2012 till July 2013, teachers are being provided with training and support to develop and maintain world-class standards in communication and technical expertise. In the second sub-phase students are being provided with smart devices – laptops and tablets – that are used as daily learning tools and in the delivery of the e-curricula. In the final sub-phase wireless connections and other electronic networks will be deployed to enable the free flow of interactive content through the four components of the education equation - students, teachers, administration and parents.
The application phase of the program will commence in September 2013 and will run till 2016, and will include the pursuit and renew of the Smart Learning program across schools in the UAE. Upon completion of this phase, the next delivery phase will focus on developing the general framework of the programme in terms of devices, systems and interactive curriculum to help establish a world class educational environment that will contribute to the nation’s growth and will be in line with the vision of the country’s leaders
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