MORE HIGH-TECH TOOLS EXPECTED IN THE UAE FROM THIS YEAR
A (Credit: Shutterstock.com/Anna Om)
UAE TO ROLL OUT MORAL EDUCATION EXAM
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he UAE is set to quantify the role schools play in in shaping students’ values by rolling out a standardised test to assess moral education nationwide. Senior officials behind the UAE Moral Education Programme introduced the Moral Education Standardised Assessment (MESA) at the end of January. MESA will be implemented as a trial in around 70 schools in the UAE, focusing on approximately 10,000 students in Grades 3,5,7 and 9 who will take the computer-based test that combines knowledge recall and situational judgement questions, assessing students’ knowledge, understanding and awareness of the importance of character and values. The UAE Moral Education Programme was fully implemented across the country in September 2017.
DUBAI IB SCHOOL TAKES WORLD SCHOLAR’S CUP BY STORM
s virtual reality, artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain become more prevalent, the education sector is seeing major changes when it comes to technology, according to a report by Khaleej Times which previously reported on teachers are using virtual reality to take students to historical events and famous landmarks. “At Wellington Academy Silicon Oasis (WSO), we are continuing to focus on how to develop our approach to blended learning, and we have launched the use of Microsoft Teams and OneNote. In conjunction, we want to create a classroom space for students to collaborate digitally as well as record all of their learning in one place in their digital notebook,” said Helen Loxston-Baker, Director of Teaching, Learning and Innovation at WSO, although she warned that new digital products should be used to ensure transformative learning. Educators agree that digital technology could have a “great impact” on student engagement and progress. “Students enjoy owning their learning journey, and digital technology allows teachers to build opportunities for developing independence and creativity. Students who are digital natives are used to using digital products in their everyday lives. Game-based lessons using apps like Seppo [an innovative tool for creating educational games] can help build memorable and fun learning experiences for students, which can instil a love of learning and spark curiosity,” said Helen. However, she added that that students still need support in learning how to use new products to fully utilise the features of applications and that the school offers courses on Microsoft applications to better prepare learners for the real world. Digital technologies reflect the interest, familiarities, and abilities of the students, which ultimately help them become more engaged in the classroom, according to Lena Bell, Head of Innovation at GEMS International School — Al Khail, who added that digital transformations in the classroom keep the technologies relevant and applicable to students, and as technology continues to evolve, so will the world of education, allowing schools to better meet the needs of their students.
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ifteen students from GEMS International School – Al Khail collected a total of 75 gold and silver medals during the Dubai Regional Round of the World Scholar’s Cup. The students faced stiff competition from over 700 fellow participants across four challenges that tested their debate skills, collaborative writing abilities, and general knowledge in various subject areas. Regional Rounds take place around the world throughout the year, with Global Rounds held in June, July, and August, culminating in the Tournament of Champions at Yale University in November.
(Credit: Shutterstock/Sergey Nivens)
www.worldofeducationmag.com
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