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Smart learning program a hit among UAE schools

442 classrooms updated with technology; 11,548 tablets distributed

Positive feedback and results from schools following the successful first year of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning Program (MBRSLP) is paving the way for the upcoming academic year. Officials running the program suggested that 25,000 students are to take part in the program across the UAE in 2014. The number of participating public schools for the upcoming academic year that will join the MBRSLP will grow from 123 to 147, a 20 per cent increase from last year.

The first half of 2014 has marked a significant milestone for the MBRSLP, with the completion of Phase I and its successful implementation in 123 schools, which saw 442 classrooms upgraded with new technology, 11,548 tablets distributed and involving 11,402 students in total from across the UAE.

Upon the completion of Phase I which involved Grade 7 students, the effect on student-teacher interaction is evident from the first year’s findings. Student and teacher contributions to the online platform doubled between semesters 2 and 3 in class contribution, assignments, attendance, exams and efficiency in asking and answering questions.

The smart learning curriculum has been received well by teachers for its ease in performing numerous tasks such as collecting data, adding and updating timetables, flexible online lesson plans that can be shared with students and parents, while reducing paper usage which is beneficial to environmental conservation. Mohammed Ghayeth, Director-General of MBRSLP, said: “What is remarkable is that in the span of one academic year, participating students reported higher grades after taking part in the program.”

He said: “As a result, our schools are receiving a higher number of requests from parents to reserve seats for their children well in advance of enrollment for the upcoming academic year. Furthermore, after witnessing the benefits of the program, teachers are eager to be trained and to take part in the program to teach in smart learning-equipped classrooms with smart boards, laptops and internet access in addition to employing interactive teaching methodologies to enhance the delivery of curriculums and encourage students to become active participants in the learning process.”

The MBRSLP has gained both national and international recognition for the positive impact of introducing smart learning techniques in public schools for the first time in the UAE.

The program will build up systematically until reaching all UAE public schools by 2017, allowing students to think freely, creatively, cultivating them as innovative leaders and future Arab ambassadors worldwide.

dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com