Now, private schools can go smart with the MBRSL programme

Mohammed Geyath, Director-General of the MBRSL programme

The Mohammed bin Rashid Smart Learning (MBRSL) programme has opened its doors to private schools. Speaking to Khaleej Times, Mohammed Geyath, Director-General of the MBRSL programme, said the transformation model set up by the programme helps conventional schools turn into a smart school.
The MBRSL programme was launched in 2012 and works as a facilitator to integrate technology into the education system.
So far, over 50 schools have sent in their applications and undergone training programmes with MBSRL. Geyath stated that by the end of 2016, the programme is looking at moving at least 100 schools into the smart learning programme.
Geyath said private schools have a different engagement model. "We're not obliged ... as in it is not in our mandate to help private schools, but we can, based on the engagement model. However, we are open to working with those schools that are interested.
"The transformation model helps a typical school or conventional school turns itself into a smart school. Schools are provided with self-assessment forms with several criteria that they need to satisfy if they want to be part of the smart learning programme," said Geyath.
The schools are required to provide documents and evidence to the MBRSLP to verify the accuracy of data. The agency checks if the school can be converted into a smart school. "It's in no way an accreditation process, it's more of a journey that schools take to enter the smart schooling realm," he said.
As of the academic year 2015-16, 208 schools and 34,513 students have been placed under the smart learning programme. Also, 1,753 classrooms have been equipped with smart learning devices.
"In this case, the schools can set targets for themselves. Since the assessment is done by self, the schools can set anything from three-, six-, or 12-month targets," he added.
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com

Dhanusha Gokulan

dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com