Education is a Cornerstone of Society Says Intel
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Feb. 27, 2007: Education is without doubt, one of the cornerstones of society and every child should have the right access to it, says Intel Corporation. With rapidly emerging technologies designed to aid teaching at a variety of levels, Intel believes education is set for major transformations in the next decade that will lead to higher rates of inclusion. Speaking at the 'Education Without Borders' congress, held in Abu Dhabi on the 25th to 27th February, Intel's Engineer Khaled Adas, GCC Education Manager shared the company's vision about 21st Century learning and the future of education in the Arab world.
Intel joined some of the world's leading education luminaries at the congress, the agenda for which raised issues related to e-learning in a unique and collaborative forum featuring prominent guest speakers, student presentations, stimulating debates, interactive workshops and Arabian cultural activities.
Commenting on the theme of 'The Knowledge Economy and 21st Century Education', Khaled Adas shed light on the parallels between teaching methods and how the increased use of technology is driving new ways of learning.
"Intel has long been associated with helping to improve education worldwide, most recently as part of our global Intel World Ahead program aimed at accelerating access to uncompromised technology for everyone, anywhere in the world," said Adas. "In learning environments where students use computing devices, the focus is not technology. It is the shift in how instruction is delivered and the resultant spark that is created in students to provide new sense of enthusiasm and ownership in their learning.
"We are committed to a number of education initiatives in the Middle East that prepare teachers and students for success in the global economy, and the Education Without Borders congress is an unparalleled opportunity to create dialogue between leaders in business, educational institutions, NGOs, government and technology firms from six continents."
"The UAE government has been particularly progressive in embracing technology in learning environments," added Adas. "Success at the individual, and ultimately the national level is linked to the quality of education. Students must develop key 21st century skills such as digital literacy, problem solving, critical thinking and collaboration. They must also excel in mathematics, science, and engineering, the building blocks of technical innovation.
"Education in the 21st century can be accelerated by the innovative use of technology and Intel believes its responsibility is to help develop education initiatives in conjunction with governments, organizations, universities and individuals to address the digital divide and help citizens to become competitive in today's knowledge economy."
Education Without Borders is being hosted by Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), one of the largest, most progressive and innovative places of higher learning in the United Arab Emirates. Its 14 campuses throughout the country have expanded rapidly while consistently maintaining a commitment to excellence in teaching and learning that has made HCT a leader in education and training.
Intel also supports CERT (Centre of Excellence for Applied Research & Training), the commercial arm of the Higher Colleges of Technology that develops and provides education, training and applied technology for public and private sector clients. The company is estimated to be the largest private education provider in the Middle East and is developing education and knowledge projects throughout the MENA region.
CERT Technology Ventures (CTV), the technology arm of CERT adopts, modifies and deploys innovative technologies and applications to assist the UAE and the region to diversify its economy. CTV collaborates with leading technology partners such as Intel to foster technology transfer. With a robust portfolio of selected technologies, CTV leads commercialization in the region.
Intel, the world leader in silicon innovation, develops technologies, products and initiatives to continually advance how people work and live. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom.
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About Intel World Ahead Program
The Intel World Ahead Program aims to enhance lives by accelerating access to uncompromised technology for everyone, anywhere in the world. Focused on people in the world's developing communities, it integrates and extends Intel's efforts to advance progress in three areas: accessibility, connectivity, and education. Intel's goal is not only to extend affordable PC access but to develop the PCs tailored to local needs, drive critical connectivity, cultivate sustainable local capabilities, and provide the technology education needed to make a meaningful difference in people's lives.
As part of the Intel Education Initiative, Intel invests $100 million per year in education in collaboration with governments and educators in 50 countries.
The Intel Teach program has helped more than 4 million teachers in more than 35 countries effectively integrate technology into their classrooms to improve student learning. In the next five years, Intel plans to train 10 million more teachers on the effective use of technology in education, with the possibility of reaching another 1 billion students. The Intel Learn Program is a community-based effort in which underserved youth ages 8-16 learn technology, critical thinking, and collaboration skills using an engaging, project-centered approach. To date, the program has been launched in eight countries and has reached more than 450,000 learners.
Intel Computer Clubhouse Network is an after-school, community-based learning program aimed at youth in underserved areas. As of 2006, more than 110 clubhouses have served 50,000 youth across 20 countries.
The Intel Education Program works with more than 150 universities in 30 countries to advance technology innovation and develop a pipeline of technical talent.
To support the effective use of technology in education, Intel plans to donate 100,000 PCs to classrooms in developing communities. In 2006, Intel has already shipped 10,000 PCs.
Intel and the Intel logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.
* Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.
© Press Release 2007



















