Perspective: How classrooms will look like in future

Mohammed Geyath. Supplied photo

"If we teach today's students as we taught yesterday's, we rob them of tomorrow," wrote the great educator John Dewey more than 70 years ago. Although he stated this well before the digital era, he knew that if educational institutions do not re-invent themselves to engage students and provide them the necessary skills, it will be difficult for them to compete in the global economy. Educational systems have to be continuously updated and re-energised in order to keep up in today's world, and look forward to tomorrow's.
With the steady growth of the UAE population, providing intelligent services and technological infrastructure has become a fundamental cornerstone for our leadership. The UAE continues to emphasise its commitment to investing in human capital in order to deliver long-term opportunity and prosperity for its residents. Knowledge and innovation are key requirements of a dynamic and ever-changing world and students must be at the forefront of this as we prepare them to be our future leaders. Therefore technology in education is essential and we believe that the Smart Learning Program is the UAE's response to keeping education aligned with the needs of the market and develop necessary skillsets.
It has been proven that smart learning techniques and skills allow students to approach challenges with innovation and creativity. We live in a highly connected world - with over 13 billion devices already connected to each other today - utilizing smart technologies in the classrooms from a young age gives students a head start in navigating this tech-centric world. Every day there are new technological resources available to help educators make their classrooms more global and connect their students to new ideas, challenges, and resources that will let them dig deeper into what they're learning in class. We need engaging curriculums paired with the right technologies to stay ahead.
We strongly believe that the technologies and devices students are using outside the classrooms need to be reflected in classrooms. After all, innovation powers long term growth and countries that foster societies where innovation can flourish are building the foundations for improved social and economic development.
In short, whatever the classroom of the future may look like aesthetically, we are certain that in the UAE these spaces will be hubs of creativity and forward-thinking to mirror and meet the needs and skills required for a knowledge-led and tech-savvy economy. With the UAE pulling out all the stops to boost innovation across all sectors, as it invests in becoming one of the top 20 countries in terms of innovation by 2021, this innovation needs to begin within the classroom space - ensuring children are nurtured, empowered and equipped with the best possible knowledge as they begin their journey in shaping the country's future.
Author is the Director-General of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning Program

• Dubai