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Abu Dhabi Education Council’s (ADEC’s) eagerness to implement a top-notch roll out of their New School Model (NSM) for public schools in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, a new initiative known as "iClass" is due to be implemented across the 270 public schools managed by ADEC in phases.
The ADEC is dedicated to help improve students’ critical thinking/learning, motivation, engagement, and knowledge attainment across its public schools through iClass, which will be preliminarily introduced as a one-year pilot project for selected Grade 3 and 4 students in six schools this academic year (2011 - 2012).
In support of effective use of 21st Century digital learning tools and an eCurriculum in both Arabic and English resources, a digital learning resources center will be available for students to use in each of the schools. Students will be provided with "students input devices" which can be used in their classrooms and at home.
"As part of ADEC’s 10 year strategy plan to improve the quality of education in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, ADEC has introduced a student-oriented approach across schools that will help our youth excel in higher education and keep up with global market challenges. The UAE is a growing economy that requires qualified high caliber employees, and that is exactly why ADEC is promoting new and updated education trends, in line with international standards," said Dr. Mugheer Al Khaili, Director General, ADEC.
The six selected schools include two schools from Abu Dhabi, two from Al Ain and another two from the Western Region. Each school will be connected through video conferencing and interactive, multi-touch electronic whiteboards which will help encourage teachers and students to exchange and share knowledge locally and globally in a spirit of true collaboration.
When asked why those specific six schools have been selected for the iClass pilot project, Dr. Najla Alraway Alnaqbi, Program Manager, Office of Planning and Strategic Affair at ADEC explained that the six schools have successfully implemented the NSM curriculum, have high student performance levels with teacher’s who are willing to accept implement Digital Learning resources (DLR) in teaching and learning and where an IT infrastructure is ready.
"The main goal for implementing Digital Learning Resource (DLT) innovations in our schools is to support the learner-centered learning and teaching approach, improve the teamwork spirit among students and teachers and create a "think-out-of-the-box" approach that meets 21st century skills and challenges," added Dr. Najla.
The e-learning initiative will help emphasize key aspects in Abu Dhabi schools, including: content (curriculum standards and learning objectives, pedagogy ,teaching methods, assessment, etc); appropriate Digital learning tools (hardware, software, classroom layout); teachers’ preparation (professional development, integrating digital learning resource into content, appropriate teaching methods, continued support); and sustainability of eLearning based innovation by mentoring, assessing and evaluating.
The one-year pilot project will provide ADEC with a "proof-of-concept" to test, evaluate and redefine the Digital Learning resources (DLR) and eLearning pedagogy. The Digital learning Resource Centers will help provide a clearer picture for the design and support required to rollout in the remaining ADEC public schools. ADEC is "iClass is just the beginning of a new and innovative approach to ADEC’s NSM. School administrators, principals, head of faculties, Cluster Managers, teachers, students, parents and researchers are all involved in the pilot process for planning, feedback and evaluation. We are confident that this learning experience will help enhance our iClass initiative for the near future, and look forward to phasing it out to other public schools," added Dr. Al Khaili.
Based on Lesson’s Learned in this Pilot phase, a phased Roll-Out to additional ADEC schools will begin in late 2012 with proven curriculum and pedagogical methodologies.
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