Dubai Press Club (DPC) offered an overview of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning Initiative and highlighted the role of media in supporting the programme during its Ramadan Education Majlis.

Held on Tuesday at Al Wasl Majlis at Dubai World Trade Centre, the Majlis additionally shed light on the initiative’s aim to achieve the UAE Vision 2021, through providing a cutting-edge educational infrastructure. In addition to connecting students with a knowledge pool, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning Initiative seeks to help them master modern technology tools for augmenting their educational performance.

The session that featured Marwan Al Sawaleh, assistant undersecretary, Ministry of Education for Support Services, and Ali Mihd Suwaidi, acting undersecretary of the Ministry of Education, offered an insight on the preparation of schools to raise quality levels and drive educational expansion plans across the country. Furthermore, the discussion provided an overview on the potential results expected from the programme and its impact on educational progress in the UAE.

Al Sawaleh said, “The initiative aims to facilitate students in achieving proficiency in education by linking them to advanced programmes and infrastructure. As part of the initiative, an innovative technology will integrate students and educational institutions to enhance student performance.

“We have drawn insights from countries such as Korea, Australia and Turkey that use similar technology. Our five-year plan aims to ensure that schools across the UAE surpass the outcomes of these countries.”

Ali Mihd Suwaidi said, “The initiative was launched in order to migrate from the traditional education system to a contemporary format. However, the initiative does not aim to rule out the role of books, teachers and exams. Instead, it seeks to contribute to the development of the student mindset through the inclusion of technology in the national curriculum.”

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, launched the Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning Initiative on April 10, 2012. The Dhs1-billion initiative is set to shape a new learning environment in public schools through the launch of ‘smart classes’ that will provide every student with a tablet and access to high speed 4G networks.

In addition to a host of training programmes for teachers, the initiative will see the introduction of new science curricula. The Ministry of Education and the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority are jointly mandated to implement the project under the supervision of the Prime Minister’s office.

Majlis talk

Dubai Press Club (DPC) hosted a session titled “Social Sense and the Role of Media” as part of its Ramadan Majlis on Thursday at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The Majlis highlighted the role of the community in achieving the UAE Vision 2012.