Universal Knowledge Solutions, the leading eLearning enabler in the region, in cooperation with Hitachi Software Engineering, held a seminar on Thursday May 4, 2006 at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, to enhance K-12 education: new educational technologies. The objective of the seminar was to equip schools with the powerful teaching tools necessary to enhance classroom experience by making it a lively, engaging and motivating experience for teachers and students alike.
The seminar was divided into two sessions: on behalf of Hitachi Software Engineering, Universal Knowledge Solutions dedicated the first part of the seminar towards introducing the audience to Hitachi's interactive learning solutions which offer a selection of powerful tools for teaching, learning and conferencing for education. The Hitachi software starboard family of interactive communication systems delivers the highest quality products and includes a range of hardware configurations to fit all presentation, education and room environments. Mr. Jawad Sebaali, UAE country manager of Universal Knowledge Solutions, led the demo sessions on the interactive board, the Bluetooth tablet and interactive panel, during which he demonstrated their uses to the audience who were in turn, invited to interact with the products for themselves to have a hands-on experience and see first hand how crucial this technology is in enhancing the learning experience. Ms. Hala Al-Ashgar, an IT teacher from Al Mawakeb School noted that "this method of teaching would definitely encourage students to learn and it will allow me to use my time in the classroom more efficiently and get things done faster."
Hitachi Software Engineering's educational tools are the most advanced interactive teaching aids available today and can help build exciting, dynamic and inspirational lessons. Mr. Jawad Sebaali emphasized the importance of UKS's partnership with Hitachi Software Engineering, adding "UKS is particularly proud of this joint venture as it will allow greater achievements by providing academic institutions with stronger solutions and introducing new technologies to students at an early stage". As it is never enough to solely buy the right technologies, UKS experts understand the need for consultancy and guidance to select the most appropriate tools and best implement them, in order to achieve optimum results. Therefore, tailor-made solutions are designed to meet each institution's specificities.
After presenting the attendees with the numerous uses of the Hitachi Starboard, Mr. Jawad Sebaali presented demos on the Daydream Education line of courses and the Cambridge-Hitachi line of offerings which were demonstrated on the Hitachi Starboard.
Cambridge-Hitachi is a dynamic new company, the result of a joint venture between Cambridge University Press and Hitachi Software Engineering. The company combines Cambridge's long history of producing quality education and English language teaching resources and Hitachi's expertise and innovation in technology to produce a range of software developed with the changing needs of today's teachers in mind.
The Cambridge-Hitachi software supports effective teaching with creative curriculum-focused resources, aids in the use of whiteboards and computers as essential teaching tools to challenge and inspire pupils and is easily installed and has intuitive functionality so the technology supports teaching. The curriculum is designed for both primary and secondary schools; courses include English, mathematics and sciences to name a few.
Among the varied product range provided by Daydream Education, UK's number one educational wall chart supplier, the main focus was on Daydream's Interactive Whiteboard Wall Charts. Daydream Education offers a range of over 500 informative and colorful Wall Charts covering 15 different subjects. Subjects available include sciences, religious education, ICT, mathematics, music and English to name a few.
"The Cambridge-Hitachi and Daydream educational software, when utilized inside the classroom, using the highly sophisticated features of the Hitachi Starboard Software, enhances the classroom experience by making it a lively, engaging and motivating one for teachers and students alike. This state-of-the-art technology compliments the UKS learning model." explains Mr. Rami Zaatari, Business Development Manger, UKS.
The second part of the seminar was hosted by Mr. Gerry Barnard, Managing Director of Londonlearning, the expert company in designing courses and qualifications, and Mr. Steve Luck, head of IT at the NewCastle under-Lyme- School, London, UK, who introduced the IAM international online awards in ICT. This interactive online course allows students and adults to learn at their own pace how to correctly apply basic skills in Microsoft Office applications in an appropriate context. It offers schools an online teaching and learning resource that can help improve the ICT skills of the whole school community and to engage with parents by providing online learning at home.
"ICT skills are no longer a luxury but a necessity for success in the modern world" delegates at the UKS educational technology conference were told by Mr. Gerry Barnard. "All teachers and parents across the world want the best for their children; now Dubai pupils, teachers and families have the opportunity to develop ICT skills in the same way as Britain's finest schools, using the latest online technologies."
Mr. Barnard told the conference that national research in the UK revealed that most teachers estimated the ability level of pupils in Information Communication Technology two levels above the pupil's actual ability. One consequence of this is that pupils are leaving school without the correct ICT skills needed for employment or university. This was a problem for national economies and a handicap for the individual when competing for jobs in the global economy.
Delegates also heard from Mr. Steve Luck, Director of IT at Newcastle-under-Lyme School that Londonlearning's online ICT courses in Microsoft Office and Adobe software applications were the best available to teach and assess ICT skills. He demonstrated how staff and students use the courses that have been particularly designed for use in education, to learn IT skills quickly and properly. He also showed how the most advanced assessment and reporting systems used by Londonlearning enable pupils, parents and teachers to easily monitor learning progress against national standards. "Our pupils appreciate getting instant feedback on their ICT learning; the assessment technology is marvelous and saves teachers and pupils hours of time which can be used for other learning" he said.
During the conference teachers from Dubai's schools and colleges had the chance to try out the Londonlearning course materials. Mr. Murtaza, a teacher from Al Ameen Private School expressed his interest in the IAM software by stating "I love it! Students can work independently and view their results immediately."
"With UKS expertise and awareness of the cultural ethos in the region, and with Londonlearning's educational solutions, this strategic partnership creates the ideal solution for both academic and training institutions." stated Jawad Sebaali when asked about his company's collaboration with Londonlearning.
At the end of the seminar, Universal Knowledge Solutions offered the participating schools a unique opportunity to enroll in The Adobe International Online Awards Pilot. Londonlearning and Adobe Systems Incorporated have joined forces to launch an important new online qualification pilot to help young people and teachers reap the benefits of Adobe's technology expertise.
"Educational technology in the region is still a fairly new concept that has not been given the attention it deserves. Schools must understand the need for this technology in their classrooms as an essential tool in the learning environment. I believe that this seminar was crucial in acquainting the K-12 sector on the new technologies available. This technology does not replace the teachers' role in the classroom; on the contrary, it enhances the classroom experience by making it an enjoyable practice for both students and teachers alike." concluded Jawad Sebaali.
For further information on the event, please visit www.uks.ae/k12
-Ends-
About Hitachi Software Engineering
Since its founding in 1910, Hitachi has acted from a corporate philosophy of contributing to society through technology. "Inspire the Next" has been adopted by the company as a declaration that the Hitachi brand will meet the expectations of customers and society in this new age. This statement embodies Hitachi's commitment to continue to inspire coming generations with the latest products, systems and services, for a more vibrant society. It is also an expression of strong commitment to boldly face whatever new challenges the times bring: whatever comes "Next."
Web: http://www.hitachisoft-eu.com
About Londonlearning
Londonlearning designs courses, qualifications and provides education consultancy services. It is an operations company based in the Channel Islands that delivers online e-learning services around the world. Based in St Peter Port, the company distributes online courses, processes registrations and conducts online examinations for Londonlearning courses.
Web: http://www.london-learning.com
About Cambridge-Hitachi
Founded in 2003, Cambridge-Hitachi is a dynamic new company, the result of a joint venture between Cambridge University Press and Hitachi Software Engineering. The company combines Cambridge's long history of producing quality education and English language teaching resources and Hitachi's expertise and innovation in technology to produce a range of software developed with the changing needs of today's teachers in mind. Cambridge-Hitachi is committed to innovation in e-learning and sees information and communication technologies as powerful tools to enhance the quality of teaching and learning.
Web: http://www.cambridge-hitachi.com
Cambridge University Press: http://www.cambridge.org
Hitachi Software Engineering: http://www.hitachisoft-eu.com
About Daydream Education
From its modest beginnings, producing a range of just five Math charts, Daydream Education is now recognized as the UK's leading provider of educational wall charts, with a range of over 500 titles from Art to ICT. By combining a bold, visual approach with simple, concise information, Daydream Education has provided over a million wall charts to more than 25,000 educational establishments worldwide.
Web: http://www.daydreameducation.co.uk
About Universal Knowledge Solutions
Universal Knowledge Solutions is an educational solutions provider and integrator with regional presence across the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf. UKS specializes in providing outstanding solutions, services and products with the aim to alleviate educational standards across the region, utilizing state of the art technology and innovation. With a successful track-record of innovative academic and corporate achievements such as the Syrian Virtual University, the eLearning Center of Excellence at the Gulf University for Science and Technology, or Pars Online Academy to cite only a few; UKS has established itself as a pioneer in the Arab world, leading the way for world-class educational solutions, by blending international standards and breakthroughs with local ethos and beliefs.
Universal Knowledge Solutions is based in the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Kuwait, and Syria with representations in Iran, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain. UKS is a subsidiary of Al Tanmiya Holding and EDU which is the educational arm of AREF Investment Group.
Web: www.uks.ae
Email: info@uks.ae
UAE:
P.O.Box 500270
Dubai
UAE
Phone + 971.4.3910170
Fax + 971.4.3664501
LEBANON:
P.O.Box 11-7503
Beirut
Lebanon
Phone + 961.1.747181
Fax + 961.1.747180
KUWAIT:
P.O.Box 17030 Khaldiya
72541 Kuwait
Phone + 965.2411244
Fax + 965.2420600
SYRIA:
P.O.Box 36171
Damascus
Syria
Phone +963.11.61267720
Fax + 963.11.61267720
© Press Release 2006
