In recent times, the physical classroom has morphed into more than an environment where a teacher solely gives direct instruction. Thanks to technology, classrooms today are equipped with e-learning tools that enhance the learning experience. There has been a steady rise in the UAE’s schools that have fully adopted e-learning platforms because it’s an efficient and effective way to engage with students to produce better learning outcomes. Other advantages these platforms offer include higher knowledge retention, self-assessment, flexibility, and unique testing methods.
For instance, GIIS, an Indian school in Dubai, offers its students holistic learning by integrating e-learning in teaching. It boasts of smart campuses that focus on enhancing students’ portfolios by developing necessary skills in the real world. This guide gives you more insight into the e-learning tools that schools in the UAE are using today.
1. E-Learning Platforms
The classroom is becoming less restricted to a physical location with the advancement of e-learning platforms such as apps. In the UAE, apps like Madrasa E-Learning Platform are easily accessible, and content is free for more than 50 million Arab students worldwide. These platforms often have more than 5000 educational videos and are designed to also bridges the knowledge gap in Arab countries. Some of the subjects available are Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and general science. The classes take on the form of exercises, and they include different syllabus, so all kids are covered. Access to such apps is easy since you can use your mobile phone, laptop, or tablet. Simply download the app from iTunes and let your kid get started. Kids from kindergarten to grade 12 have readily available classes.
2. Online Education
The UAE Ministry of Education is continuously seeking new partnerships to develop the education sector to ensure that their students access quality education. The Ministry has partnered with Google and Etisalat to launch an online platform Duroosi (my studies), containing a series of educational videos. The platform provides hundreds of tutorials on its YouTube channel, which targets Grade 11 and 12 students. The channel has garnered a lot of interest from excited students who have an online platform to interact with any time and anywhere. Education galaxy app is an example of online education practice for both students and teachers.
3. Smart Classrooms
Some schools have gone entirely paperless in Dubai, with all teaching and learning materials now found on digital platforms. Students are currently carrying out all their learning on the editable worksheets and copybooks. Once they complete their reports or assignments, they upload them for the teacher to provide feedback digitally. Parents can view the results on the student’s account.
Another feature that has been overtaken by technology is the blackboard, which has been replaced by digital screens. Books have been swapped with tablets and pencils by the stylus pens. When students do not feel comfortable raising their hands to either ask a question or respond to one, they simply use their tablets to engage with the teacher through a private messaging app. The tablets come with pre-installed programs. These include Smart Author for teachers and Smart Reader for students. Smart Reader allows students to review their e-lessons and access textbooks, even when they are offline. Assignments and projects are handled on these smart devices. This is thanks to the Smart Learning Initiative launched in 2012 to reform the UAE’s education sector and make it the best education system in the world.
4. Online Books/ E-Books
The Ministry of Education has developed an app that allows teachers and students, especially those in government schools, to access electronic copies of various books in different subjects. The app, Al Diwan E-Book reader, enables users to download the books to any electronic device for access from any location and at any time. The platform seeks to develop, improve, and raise the efficiency of education in the UAE.
5. Blended Learning
Also known as hybrid learning, this learning approach combines online educational materials with typical classroom methods. Hybrid learning involves the teacher and the student, but the student controls the pace and time of their learning to some extent. Like the GIIS Indian school in Dubai, schools in the UAE employ the blended approach to learning. With the help of technological advancements such as the Pamoja Education Online Courses, their students have shown significant academic and personal growth. Such online platforms allow learners to interact in a global classroom online. They offer interactive online lessons, including screencasts from online teachers, multimedia presentations, and live sessions via Skype.
Through e-learning platforms, students can track and monitor their learning progress through web-based documents as they collaborate with their peers and teachers locally and globally. Also, there is a marked improvement in communication skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Students also find joy in school and learning, as they have more flexibility. This approach has also enabled students to transition to university courses with much ease. As Dubai works to have the best education system globally, e-learning is playing a vital role in ensuring this happens.
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