Dubai: The Mohammad Bin Rashid Smart Learning Programme, an initiative aligned with the UAE Vision 2021 and aimed at enriching the learning process with technology-enabled classrooms, announced yesterday that more schools have joined the programme’s second year of implementation. Students from 146 schools across the UAE are now taking part in the educational scheme with the programme deployed in 800 classrooms.
Part of a wider government initiative championing smart learning, the smart learning programme integrates technology through innovative teaching tools and by offering a comprehensive programme that takes into account the interests and concerns of both students and teachers as well as parents.
The programme functions under the guidance of the Ministry of Education and is supported by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority. Through strategic technology partners, the smart learning classrooms offer students dynamic and interactive learning environments and the programme has been recognised for boosting motivation and achievement, giving students ownership of their learning, following the completion of the first year.
This year, together with its dedicated partners, the programme has deployed 2,263 laptops for teachers and 800 smart boards in each of the programme’s classrooms, reaching 12,926 students across 146 schools in the UAE.
“Only two years since the programme’s inception, what we are seeing is a great momentum in creating the necessary conditions that will support growth and contribute to knowledge-based economy aligned with the wider UAE 2021 Vision,” commented Mohammad Geyath, Director General of the Programme.
The programme offers a new paradigm of learning in the region and has won international recognition as an exemplary programme. The blended learning environment combines online delivery of content and instruction and places the students at the centre of their learning experience, giving them ownership and autonomy over their own progress.
In an effort to ensure that both teachers and students receive the necessary support, the programme also embarked on rigorous training sessions for teachers across the UAE.
Teachers for Grades 7, 8 and 9 students enrolled in the programme received tablets and smart board training, ranging from the basics such as an introduction to computers, operating systems, and how to use the internet to how to best utilise web resources, design lesson plans and tests as well as engage with students to support them outside the classroom. The training equips teachers with both confidence and know-how to capitalise on the offerings of a smart classroom.
