Education in the Gulf – What’s New and What’s Happening?
29 Sep
The Gulf Comparative Education Symposium, sponsored by the Dubai School of Government and with support from the Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, was an educational conference that explored the intersection of the public and private in education in the GCC. In the GCES 2011 Proceedings, each paper investigates a different element of education, including educational technology tools. Keep reading for a snippet of some of our favorite ideas!
Who: Ken Volk
Says: Technology Education is More Than Just Computers
As the Outreach Manager at the Masdar Institute of Science & Technology, Abu Dhabi, UAE, Volk takes a critical look at what Middle Eastern governments envision “technology” to mean. He argues that in this day and age, to be technology literate means much more than just knowing how to use computers. He encourages the UAE to have a wider concept of technology and for schools to embrace more materials and processes that will enable them to creatively problem solve.
What do you have to say: How would you define technology in the 21st century?
Who: Anna Batchelder
Explores: Education 2.0: Using Social Networking Tools to Promote Teacher Professional Development in Ras Al Khaimah
Our own Anna Batchelder, CEO and co-founder of Bon Education, presents the case of the Ras al Khaimah Teachers Network and 21st Century Teaching and Research Program to illustrate what ICT tools and social networking can do for the realm of teacher collaboration. Through a series of policy recommendations, Anna provides orientation for education stakeholders attempting to promote ICT-based education development.
Think with us: What other ways can social networking be used to enhance teaching and learning processes?
Who: John C. Weldman
Talks About: Linking Higher Education Reform to Labour Market Demand in the Gulf States: A Slippery Slope?
As mentioned in some of our previous posts, the Middle East and North Africa region has rapidly increasing youth populations. The growing numbers continue to put pressure on the education systems. Ultimately, job markets find it difficult absorbing the vast numbers of graduates that emerge each year out of university. Weldman looks at ways in which the Gulf can improve employment by catering market demands to educational supply.
Food for thought: How can technology be used to improve youth employment?
Above is just a sampling of the many ideas that were shared at the symposium that took place March 16-17, 2011 in Ras al Khaimah, UAE.
Stay tuned for updates.
Keep Calm and Learn On,
Nora
Image Available Under CC Licensure by stefan.erschwendner
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