In concerted effort, the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) and Zayed University (ZU) have brought mobile learning into the daily lives of 14,000 students and faculty in their foundation programs, realizing the first step of the vision and innovative challenge set by H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and UAEU Chancellor, in April this year.
The three institutions have been working together to seize this challenge, driven by the knowledge that improving preparation of students for university is critical for the future of the country.
Prof. Robert Whelan, UAEU Deputy Provost, said: "In order to achieve this goal, a technological revolution was required in classrooms, laboratories and lecture theatres, and an educational revolution was necessary in student-teacher interactions."
H.E. Sheikh Nahayan's vision is that the iPad has the potential to change the nature of education. It is widely accepted that deeper engagement increases learning, and one of the main challenges for educators is encouraging engagement. The current project focuses particularly on English and Mathematics in foundation courses.
Dr. Jörg Waltje, Director of the UAEU Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, commented on the pedagogical transformation underway: "There has been great interest around the world in introducing iPads and other mobile devices into teaching and learning. Our project, however, is not just about using the latest gagdets. We are pushing the limits of teaching innovation, with the new electronic tools, instead of just re-creating old teaching styles with newer, more expensive technology."
He continued: "At UAEU, we are measuring student engagement, teaching practice and learning. We have already found that teaching with iPads engages students at a much higher level than it is possible with traditional methods."
"In many classes, learning has become a "knowledge creation process" and we are extending the classroom far beyond the physical sphere of campus."
Professor Whelan stated that, in order to capitalize on the opportunities offered by the technology, UAEU is rigorously revising the curriculum, retraining our faculty, and rethinking its approach to teaching, in order to become more engaging, project-based, and with plenty of room for creativity.
To complement this holistic approach, UAEU is now developing its own materials in iBook format, and the initial responses from both foundation faculty, who have shown an amazing dedication to the project, and their students have been overwhelmingly positive.
Dr Khalil Khalil, Director of the UAEU College Success Center, said: "Tailoring educational content to suit our academic objectives and cultural needs was an important step along the way in the transformation of our curriculum delivery with iPads. With around 20 faculty iChampions preparing classroom materials we are focusing on the quality of the interactiveness in developing iBooks. Our iBooks are considered the first truly rich content, not only textbooks but a mobile classroom without boundaries."
In close cooperation with Apple, classrooms at UAEU, HCT and ZU have been equipped with fast internet capable of supporting the heavy usage of mobile technology; faculty members have been learning to use iPads; 14,000 iPads were ordered and delivered by 9th September; current students were trained as mentors for the incoming students; and teachers mastered new concepts of teaching.
Further, Ms Afraa Al Shamsi, UAEU Chief Technology Officer, explains that "classrooms are now capable of Airplay service so that faculty can project their iPad screen to the Smartboard and print directly from iPad over the WiFi, while educational and productivity Apps are being distributed via a dedicated UAEU portal."
The iPad project, one of the most forward-thinking and transformational innovations ever implemented in the foundations programs in the country, has started with great success and excitement across all participating university campuses.
The three institutions have ambitious plans for the future: measuring student learning outcomes in comparison with previous years, training more faculty in using technology in teaching, and applying the lessons learned to push the boundaries of what might be possible in other disciplines.
Success in this project could pave the way for using the technology to enhance learning in the schools, and Ministry of Education officials are following the project with interest.
United Arab Emirates University (UAEU)
21st Century research-based university, providing research solutions to support the UAE and, through its global partners, the wider world
Founded in 1976 by HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan; the UAE's first national university
Chancellor: His Highness Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research
Ranked # 338 in the 2011/2012 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings
Nine faculties:
- Business & Economics
- Education
- Engineering
- Food & Agriculture
- Humanities & Social Sciences
- Information Technology
- Law
- Medicine & Health Science
- Science
12,279 students enrolled in 2010/11
First PhD program in UAE national institution commenced in 2009
Strong focus on providing specific research solutions and benefits to society − the new model of a 21st Century university, furthering research as part of the global network of discovery and innovation
http://www.uaeu.ac.ae
Media Enquiries: media_enquiries@uaeu.ac.ae
© Press Release 2012
