Point. Click. Capture. Snap. Welcome to the 21st century world of learning, when almost anything is possible. When you can attend a lecture from the comfort of your own home; when you can speak to a student or professional halfway across the world from your dining room table and when you can virtually place yourself at the centre of an alternate reality. Yes, this is the 21st century and these are the demands of the new generation.

Leading education officials from the Middle East and the world came to Dubai as part of the Gulf Education Forum to address this demand and play a progressive role in the development of education in the region.

The forum took place alongside the Gulf Education Supply Show (GESS), the region's premier education supplies and solutions event. The occasion examined key issues impacting the education industry, from how schools can become the centre of communities to the new dimensions of classroom technology.

The right place at the right time

Dr Hanif Hassan, Minister of Education and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, opened the event, claiming that the timing of such an initiative was ideal.

"It is very timely for such a conference to take place in the UAE as we are in the midst of bringing about major changes in our education system," he said. "As we look toward the future, we know that we must develop learners who are prepared to take on the challenges of a dynamic, global environment. Our students must be thinkers who are able to assess problems armed with the skill to implement and monitor actions in response."

The timing of the event was perfect, as the decision to modify a system comes with the information on how to implement the change.

"Both the conference and the exhibition have received strong regional support confirming our belief that this was the right initiative at the right time," said Virginia Kern, chairman of Fairs and Exhibitions (F&E), the organisation which was behind the initiative. "There is massive private and government investment in the Middle East's education sector in terms of restructuring the sector to deliver world-class education."

Modifying the curriculum

According to professionals, simply having the latest facilities and technologies isn't sufficient to produce tomorrow's professionals. The whole academic approach must be modified to adapt to the latest educational trends and to use these technologies to their full potential.

"In order for schools to truly benefit from this experience, they must be willing to rethink their whole curriculum," said James Graham, GESS Commercial Director. "Many of their methods and styles of teaching are outdated. Some of their textbooks are 30 or 40 years old."

Kern explained that the effect of new technologies depends on the overall educational scheme. The latest and most modern of technological facilities will have little or no effect without consideration of the academic methods employed. A holistic approach is essential.

"It's not just about having the latest equipment," Kern said. "It starts from the conception of how a school is designed, from its teaching methods to its academic atmosphere. That is why we have companies concerned exclusively with designing school curricula and the implementation of teaching methods."

Teachers at the core

According to experts, the key assets of any academic institution are its instructors. Without knowledgeable, qualified teachers, even the most updated and modernised schools are destined to fail.

"Teachers must understand the advantages of this equipment and how it will benefit learning in the classroom," Kern said. "They must continuously be taught about how this technology is maintained and how it enhances the whole learning experience."

Workshops at the event were designed to inform and instruct teachers on how to utilise the latest technologies. Kern said that the direct interaction between suppliers and teachers provides instructors with an opportunity to truly grasp the advantages of a modern education system.

The technological knowledge gap that exists between students and their teachers poses a critical challenge for schools and universities. Dominic J. S. Savage, director general at the British Educational Suppliers Association, explained why the predicament exists.

"Young people are used to a world where technology is everywhere. In their view, a learning experience without any kind of technology would be boring," he said. "Meanwhile, teachers grew up in schools with no technology and so a tremendous professional development programme must be established to train teachers on how to effectively use these resources."

The goal – creating independent learners

So what is the objective of it all? Why take such drastic measures to modernise the education process? The answer is simple — to create independent and competent learners.

"Students must know how to effectively search for information themselves," Savage said. "They must know to use the internet and other resources to gather and process information."

Savage underlined two important steps, besides owning the latest facilities, that must be undertaken in order to progress towards a more contemporary educational system.

"First, there should be professional development for teachers. Instructors must be trained and retrained on how to use the available resources," he said. "Second, parents and communities must be engaged more in the learning process — especially when students have the opportunity to work from home."

When students are independent learners, they will be more motivated to absorb information on their own.

"Such technologies can bring a whole subject or issue to life," Savage said. "In the end, our goal is to get young people interested in the idea of learning."

High definition distance learning by LifeSize
This technology allows two classrooms or individuals from two different sites, anywhere in the world, to connect through high definition video and audio. The quality is almost identical to looking at someone through a windowpane. Benefits of this technology go beyond breaking down communication barriers. They also include decreasing the need for facilities and faculty as one individual can reach an array of audiences. — Girish Narayanan, director, Hala Technologies

Human models and simulations
Reality is at arms reach with these models simulating the human body in detail. Made by PhD professors from internationally renowned institutes, these models work as exceptional imitations of the human body, giving biology students a hands-on and visual application of what they study.
— Larissa Lopes, marketing manager, Altay Scientific

Robotics and programming
Meet Buddy, your new robotic pet dog that responds to touch, dialogue and visual cues through auditory, visual and touch sensors. With remarkable integrated technologies, giving it life-like features, this dog is one of the many robotics options currently available to schools and universities. Students can create their own programmes and download them on to a selection of robots, providing them with a more 'real' and approachable view to electronic and robotic learning.
— Mustafa Zidan, acting manager, education department, Al Mazroui Medical and Chemical Supplies

What is your favourite educational resource?

"Books. They provide guaranteed credible information, improve your knowledge and enhance your vocabulary."
— Kenneth Delima, B-COM, Mahatma Gandhi University in Dubai

"Books. They are an easy reference and don't taint your knowledge like some other resources do."
— Nabeel Nazeer, B-COM, Mahatma Gandhi University in Dubai

"I like the internet. Books aren't as accessible as they used to be and much of the information is outdated."
— Noori Qazi, accounting and finance, London School of Economics

"I prefer getting information online because it's always accessible unlike other channels of information."
— Mubashira Gaved, banking and finance, London School of Economics

"Definitely the internet. You have access to information at the click of a button."
— Mohammad Saleem Badshah, MBBS,
Universal Empire Institute of Medical Sciences (UEIMS)

"The internet, because you can find all the information you need and it's much more convenient to access."
— Mohammad Adel, BBS, UEIMS

Do you prefer traditional or modern teaching methods?

"Modern approaches. The use of latest technology holds my interest. With books I lose interest very quickly."
— Heena Arora, mass media, Middlesex University in Dubai

"I like the traditional methods of teaching because they're more credible and allow you to refer to different authors and topics. When I go online, I often get distracted by other things."
— Mohammad Kashif, BBA, Mahatma Gandhi University in Dubai (MGU)

"I like the modern teaching methods because they make information convenient and easily available. I don't have to attend classes to study."
— Saifee Sapatwala, BBA, MGU

"The modern approach is better because with books students tend to just reproduce information. With the internet you can find reasons and answers to a topic for yourself."
— Maisum Jafferi, BBA, MGU

"You can find detail that is not available in books through technology, so definitely the modern approach. You can learn in your own style rather than teachers dictating you."
— Roshan Mooppath, BBA, MGU

"Modern approaches are more convenient. You see things for yourself through models and simulations. Information is easily accessible and you can engage in electronic discussions."
— Crispin Alexander, BBA, MGU

Have your say
Do you think the conventional classroom and teaching methodologies need to change to keep students interested? Is technology adding to academic learning or distracting students with too much information? Write to us and tell us your opinions on education@gulfnews.com

By Manal Ismail and Amelia Ramlall, Staff Reporters

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