ITC enhances traditional learning in a rapidly changing world

The conference was organized by the University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) and sponsored by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Raschid Al Maktoum IT Education Project (ITEP). The theme of this year's conference was "Computers in the Cambridge Classroom".

'Teachers use Information and Communications Technology (ICT), because it makes things better', summarized Sue Brindley, faculty of education for University of Cambridge her experience with ICT. 'Through an extensive research programme with teachers and students in the UK and abroad, we learned, that ICT has three most important values: ICT is enhancing learning, extends learning and transforms learning procedures for the better of the students. According to Brinley, 'ICT gives students the ability not only to learn, but more important to think!' Students are used to multimedia and ITC would fit in their expectations. In several workshops, all participants had the chance to learn more about how to practise ITC, how to encourage students to get used to new ways of learning and participating in a learning process, e.g. ICT in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Geography and English, Diploma in Teaching and the Cambridge International Primary Programme.

'We are happy to had the Cambridge's 3rd International Teachers' Conference in Dubai", said Chris Daw, CIE Regional Manager MENA region. 'Dubai has become one of the leading educational hubs in the Middle East, especially in the field of IT Education. Using technology resources in classrooms is the future of education. The Conference gave us a great opportunity to exchange experiences with teachers from world educational organizations.'

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum IT Education Project (ITEP) was the sponsor for the event. Commenting on the event, Amal Belhasa, Deputy Director, ITEP said, "This international conference has been held for the first time in Dubai, as a follow up of the remarkable results the teachers achieved on attending the I-Teach programme that was organized in the past, in collaboration with Cambridge University. This year, we (ITEP) were given the honor of organizing this exciting gathering that attracts instructors and provides a great opportunity to exchange experiences and expertise from all over the world."

"This conference comes in line with our objectives and goals "Using IT to enhance education." This event is considered to be a perfect platform to present all innovative and state of the art technology in this field and demonstrate how to modify it to suit the educational requirements." She continues.

"We have started in Dubai the process of developing the educational system, keeping in mind the dramatic transformation that IT can make towards the students mentality and their potential competencies. This conference follows this course and we hope the teachers will benefit from its outcomes by deploying IT successfully in the education process." confirmed Hind Al Mualla, ITEP speaker at the conference, 'ICT is the future of education and learning!' ITEP had already trained more than 85,000 high school trainees in the last six years all over the UAE using ICT.

"The ability to use and understand ICT has become increasingly important in both the classroom and workplace, as well as at home", said Daw. "Cambridge's yearly conferences give teachers the opportunities to get an update on latest research, to exchange opinions and to learn from the experts and from each other."

University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) is the world's largest provider of international qualifications for 14-19 year olds. Cambridge qualifications are taken in 150 countries and recognized by universities, educational providers and employers across the world. It is the only international exam board, which is part of any University. Over 1.5 million students enter for CIE examination every year.