Tuesday, Apr 23, 2013
Abu Dhabi: Private schools across the country were urged to embrace the smart learning initiative launched by the Education Ministry last year.
The call to transform traditional classes in public schools into smart classrooms equipped with state-of-the-art technology was made by Humaid Al Qutami, Minister of Education, as he was questioned by members of the Federal National Council about the health problems caused by heavy school bags.
The Ministry of Education has transformed 14 public schools in the first pilot stage of the Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Smart Learning Programme which is part of the UAE Vision 2021.
The initiative aims to shape a new learning environment in public schools through the launch of ‘smart classes’ that will provide every student with an electronic tablet and access to high-speed 4G networks by 2017.
Al Qutami said the ministry has also uploaded all subjects at the ministry’s portal so that pupils can stop carrying bags. “Each of the books were also divided into three parts so that students can carry one part in each semester.”
But Ali Eisa Al Nuaimi, a representative from Ajman, who quizzed Al Qutami on measures the ministry took to reduce injuries and pain caused by overweight backpacks and help children stay healthier, said certain private schools were adamant and did not allow trolley bags because they cause scratches on the floors, as if school buildings were more important than the welfare of students.
Experts have warned half of all children suffer back pain by the age of 14 and doctors are reporting a rise in cases of spinal abnormalities in pupils, including disfiguring curvature known as scoliosis.
Health experts say children risk long-term and ultimately permanent damage if they regularly carry more than 15 per cent of their body weight over their shoulders.
Al Nuaimi said many youngsters are carrying as much as 27 per cent of their weight to and from school — 12 per cent more than permissible.
Al Qutami said the Ministry of Education will review policies and regulations for the private education. “Some private schools will be asked to adopt smart learning as we review potentials of all schools. Others will be integrated gradually into the new system,” Al Qutami said.
By Samir Salama ?Associate Editor
Gulf News 2013. All rights reserved.
