The Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning Program in cooperation with the Telecommunications Regulations Authority (TRA) announced today that it will be conducting a study to measure the levels of radiation emitted by electronic devices in smart classrooms. The study will take place in one of the 440 classrooms across the UAE that are already using smart learning technologies. The study will follow a scientific methodology that uses innovative, state of the art ways to measure the level of emitted radiation.
The aim from the study is to ensure that radiation emitted from wifi coverage and electronic devices used at schools is within international safety guidelines as set by the World Health Organization, The International Commission for the Protection of Non-Ionizing Radiation, and The International Telecommunication Union.
Furthermore, the TRA will be supporting Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning Program through the provision of principles and best practice guidelines for installing wireless devices, and reducing the intensity of any radiation emission while preserving the quality of the service.
Commenting on this initiative, Eng. Mohammed Gheyath, Director General of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning Program emphasized its importance, "From the outset, we have been committed to adopting best practices, and to using the latest technology to ensure a sound and healthy environment for our students." He further added "We will continue working on all aspects of the program in order to provide the best service possible."
Mr. Khalid Balhoul, Wireless Networks Development Manager at TRA, welcomed the strategic partnership between the TRA and the Smart Learning Program. "The TRA continuously encourages compliance with international safety criteria. This initiative shall serve the interests of the students and the country as a whole".
The study is expected to be launched on January 21st, 2014, with its results published the following week.
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About the Mohammed bin Rashid Smart Learning Program
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning Program is an enabler that will transform the education system in the UAE and take it to higher levels where it can be benchmarked against best international standards.
The Program is aligned with the vision of the Ministry of Education and supports its ongoing reform process to continuously evolve the education system in the UAE. Furthermore, the Program is aligned with UAE's 2021 vision for inclusion of all students and parents in the preparation of the leaders of the future.
The Program was formed by ministerial decree No. 25 of 2012 which also provided for the formation of a Supreme Committee to overlook the Program under the chairmanship of H.E. Humaid Mohamed Al Qutami , Minister of Education, and the membership of H.E. Dr. Abdul Qader Al Khayat board member of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Fund, and Mrs. Huda Al Hashimi Executive Director of Strategy and Policy in the Prime Minister's Office. The program is funded by the Fund to support the communications and information systems of the TRA .
The program puts into effect the integration of modern technologies with traditional classroom tools into the educational process to transform it into a dynamic and interactive experience for both teachers and students. Teachers will be able to focus on the performance of each student, thereby aiding them to develop their individual abilities and skills . The learning process in the smart classroom will now include the support of tablet devices and computers as well as smart boards alongside the existing teaching system.
The program consists of three phases: the pilot phase, which took place during the last academic year and included grade 7 students in 14 government schools. The application phase that will continue throughout a five-year period, followed by the implementation of the program in schools across the UAE. Development and follow up will ensue. As the program progresses, support and updates for all its elements including devices, systems, platforms and other interactive material will be ongoing.
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© Press Release 2014
