Conference Highlights How Technology Can Transform Learning
Doha, Qatar: Educators from across Qatar came together today for the third annual Exploring ICT in Education Conference hosted by the Supreme Council of Information and Communication Technology (ictQATAR) and College of the North Atlantic-Qatar (CNA-Q). Regional and international experts gave lectures and conducted interactive workshops on a range of topics addressing how technology can help improve education. The conference was held at the CNA-Q Campus.
"Information and communication technology is having a profound impact on education. The way students learn, how teachers teach and how parents engage in their child's education are all impacted by technology. For schools in Qatar to keep up with these changes and ultimately excel at developing students who can succeed in the emerging knowledge-economy, successful integration of ICT into the learning process is essential," said Dr. Ghadah Omar Fekieh, Manager of e-Education at ictQATAR.
Dr. Gary Stager, Executive Director of the Constructivist Consortium, delivered the keynote remarks at the conference, and focused on the power of technology to serve as a catalyst for change and innovation in schools. Other lectures at the conference addressed the best ways to promote adoption of ICT in schools, cyber safety and digital citizenship, how to best train teachers in technology, mobile learning, using technology to engage reluctant learners and digital storytelling.
"Over 500 teachers and administrators from Qatar participated, with more than 35 local and international speakers and presenters. We hope that these high-caliber lectures and workshops have inspired participants to begin to adopt these ideas and approaches of integrating ICT into the education curriculum," said Dr. Theodore Chiasson, Dean of Information Technology at CNA-Q.
The conference also featured a series of interactive workshops that allowed attendees to have firsthand experience on some of the latest education technologies and learn tangible ways to incorporate technology into Qatar's classrooms. Topics the workshops addressed included digital videos, web 2.0, games and learning, Wikis, blogs, robotics and interactive white boards. Numerous workshops were facilitated by local experts from CNA-Q, Qatar University and Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar. ictQATAR's Cyber Safety & Security Program also held a special workshop on cyber safety essentials for educators.
"We already have many public and private schools in Qatar that are doing amazing work with the help of ICT, such as our K-Net Schools and Digital Oasis schools. These schools are excellent models for other schools in Qatar, and this conference will hopefully help inspire all schools here to take full advantage of technology to improve learning," said Dr. Ghadah.
Presentations from many of the speakers, as well as video interviews, will soon be available online at www.qatarictconference.org. You can also visit ictQATAR YouTube Channel for video interviews with the speakers at www.youtube.com/ictQATAR.
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ABOUT ictQATAR
The Supreme Council for Information and Communication Technology (ictQATAR) connects people to the technologies that enrich their lives, drive economic development and inspire confidence in the future. ictQATAR is entrusted with two primary authorities: as the country's independent and fair regulator of the telecommunications market, and as the government body that nurtures innovative technologies to benefit those who live and work in Qatar.
About CNA-Q
The College of the North Atlantic - Qatar is Qatar's premier post-secondary school for technical training. Based on the Canadian educational model, CNA-Q has been training students since 2001 in the areas of Engineering Technology, Information Technology, Business Studies and Health Sciences. With students from over 30 countries, CNA-Q is offering world-class education to an international student body. Working closely with local industry ensures that our students receive the training they need to be successful upon graduation. For more information please visit http://www.cna-qatar.com
Communications Director
Howaida Nadim
T: +974 4995323
F: +974 4995352
M: +974 5873227
email: hnadim@ict.gov.qa
Outreach Manager
Fathy Kassem
T: +974 4995343
F: +974 4995352
M: + 974 5395730
email: fkassem@ict.gov.qa
© Press Release 2010
