Teachers have been told to get technologically down with the kids to improve education.
Speaking at the Transforming Education Summit in Abu Dhabi yesterday, Abdullatif Al Shamsi, managing director of the UAE’s Institute for Applied Technology, said: “Children in some schools feel they are more clever than teachers in using some of the latest technologies.
“Kids have iPods, computer video games, iPhones and other gadgets. Teachers need to be equipped with knowledge in new technology.” ‘Educators must be more tech-savy’, say the experts speaking in Abu Dhabi this week
He noted that children get excited by digital equipment, such as iPads, and this should be considered when teaching youngsters how to use computers and other technology that will help them after they finish school. Al Shamsi said new technology should be used to make students more creative.
And Former French Minister for National Education and Higher Education and Research, Gilles de Robien, who was also among the panelists at the summit, urged schools and administrators to engage teachers and parents in all programmes and policymaking in schools to enhance students’ performance.
Dr Raffic Makki, executive director of the Office of Planning and Strategic Affairs and head of Higher Education Sector at Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC), added: “We started town-hall programmes in Abu Dhabi where parents, teachers and school administrators meet and discuss performance of students and the success of schools.”
The three-day summit, which ended yesterday, was organised by ADEC and attracted scores of experts in education, academicians, politicians and business leaders who have been hosted at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi.
