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Smart learning introduced in more government schools

Programme’s second phase in Grade 8 too

A student writes about her smart learning experience during the Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning Programme award ceremony in Dubai on Tuesday. — KT photo by Juidin Bernarrd

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning Programme (MBRSLP) will extend up to 15 per cent more public schools in its second phase. Currently, 123 public schools in the UAE have employed the smart learning programme in Grade 7.

The MBRSLP celebrated the successful completion of the first phase of the programme on Tuesday, after one year of implementation in the UAE’s public schools, with an inaugural award ceremony.

Mohammed Gheyath, MBRSLP’s Director-General, said: “Though we are not planning on including private schools into the gamut, they are welcome to become part of the smart learning programme, he told Khaleej Times on the sidelines of the award ceremony.

“The entire statistical details of the second phase of smart learning will be announced in the coming weeks. However, for now, we have decided to increase the intake to 10 to 15 per cent more public schools. The students who graduate Grade 7 this year will have new facilities built for them so that they can continue with the smart learning programme in Grade 8. A few sample smart classrooms will also be built for students who are entering Grade 8.”

According to Gheyath, a few private schools did approach the MBRSLP for installation of smart learning; however, no concrete decision has been taken in this matter.

Asked as to how MBRSLP authorities can measure success of the programme so far, Gheyath said: “The only way to gauge the true nature of the success of a programme of this scale is to wait for the generation of students who’ve graduated after applying the smart learning programme.”

Humaid Mohammed Obaid Al Qattami, Minister of Education, said: “The MBRSLP is an incredible initiative intended to transform the UAE’s education system with new technology tools to be used by students and educator and together with our partners, we have seen what a compelling force we can be with each playing an integral role.” The 2014 Mohammed Bin Rashid’s Smart Learning Programme Award winners are: Best School Leadership Practice — Al Mzayree Basic and Secondary for Girls; Best Teacher Practice — Al Nawf Secondary for Girls; Best Student Practice — Al Shafeyi Basic for Boys; and People’s Choice Award — Al Fujairah Basic and Secondary for Girls.

The MBRSLP acknowledged the contributions of its stakeholders at the event attended by dignitaries including Al Qattami as well as representatives from the Higher Committee Members, Executive Committee and Educational Zones.

The ceremony, attended by 500 guests, was organised to honour programme devotees who have pushed the boundaries of the UAE’s educational system through technology in order to deliver innovative and effective learning experiences to students in public schools. The winners were shortlisted into several categories including Stakeholders, Partners, Schools, Educational Zone Management, Executive Committee, Best MBRSLP Practice and Innovation Fund for 2015.

Gheyath added: “It amazes me how much the Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning Programme has achieved since its inception. All in all, we now have 123 participating schools with 11,402 students across the UAE. The awards demonstrate the ongoing progress of the MBRSLP and the positive response we have received from all our partners and participating students. As we embark on Phase II of the programme, it is important to acknowledge and reward all those who have supported and will continue to support the initiative.”

dhanusha@khaleejtimes.comww