Improving Virtual Collaboration During COVID-19: Abu Dhabi University Launches Community Challenge

In line with efforts to enhance student learning and boost community morale during the COVID-19 pandemic, Abu Dhabi University (ADU) has announced the launch of the ‘Community Challenge’, a competition calling for students to get creative and become more involved in the community. Students are invited to craft innovative solutions which will contribute to improving virtual collaboration between peers during the COVID-19 outbreak, enhancing the educational experience and well-being for the community and beyond.

There are three categories in the competition: ‘Collaboration and Co-creation’ invite ideas for better ways to collaborate, the use of sophisticated technologies, and practices for remote working ‘Mental and Physical Wellbeing’ focuses on  ideas on how to keep a positive outlook and fitness routine during these trying times;. and ‘Educational Excellence’ calls for concepts focusing on improving the overall student experience and remote learning as part of the UAE Government’s guidelines for the general public to practice social distancing.

Dr. Petra Turkama, Director of Innovation and Assistant Professor of Management in ADU’s College of Business, commented, “During the COVID-19 situation, organizations globally are changing their approach and shifting their efforts towards tackling this crisis. At ADU, we prioritize offering a holistic experience by putting the students and the ADU community at the heart of everything we do. With this in mind, our core mission is to equip them with the right tools and resources to achieve academic and personal success, in addition to fostering leadership, innovation, and ambition among our graduates. Aside from key educational tools, ADU also strives to embed ethics and humanity-focused traits in its community, which is part of the vision for the ‘Community Challenge’. We see the global situation as an opportunity to challenge our mindsets to adjust to the current situation using innovative and positive solutions.” 

Winners in each category will be awarded cash prizes. The ideas submitted will be evaluated by an expert jury and assessed based on their novelty, feasibility for implementation, and expected impact on operations.

The deadline for submission is 10 April 2020 and winners will be announced on 20 April 2020. For enquiries regarding submissions, or to submit your idea(s), please email innovation.center@adu.ac.ae.