Students of Dubai International Academy offer first-hand insight into exciting world of technology at DI@TECH 2007

In line with its mission of using technology to "enable, empower and energise education" the DI@TECH 2007 fair showcased the creative skills of students in a diverse field ranging from information to internet-based technology. The one-day event provided parents and community members the opportunity to understand how technology can change the lives of their children, as well as societies.

The Guest of Honour, Issam Galadari, Managing Director of Emaar International, MENA, described the event as "an amazing experience for me".

Addressing the students, he said: "When I was young I did not have the same opportunities that you have. Technology has now come to play a crucial role in every aspect of life. I am pleased to see the students of Dubai International Academy taking the lead and being at the forefront of promoting technology in education. I am confident that this Technology Fair will generate more awareness among students and parents, and hopefully you will produce something extraordinary in the future with the lessons and experience gained at this school".

Mr. Galadari also distributed prizes to the winners of various contests including a debate on technology and an inter-school technology quiz. The team from Dubai International Academy beat the teams from Emirates International School and Dubai British School to win the quiz competition.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Poonam Bhojani, DIA Executive Director described today's children as the "digital generation: "DI@TECH is a festival to celebrate technology - a celebration of innovative ways of learning, a celebration of your creativity, collaboration and critical thinking skills, and most of all a celebration of your achievements. At DIA we believe in creating the environment that enables you to learn the way you can learn best".

According to her the Technology Fair is a way for the school to further enhance the inter-disciplinary nature of its curriculum, and is part of the school's aim to build lifelong learners for the global knowledge economy. "Technology is a core pillar of student learning in our curriculum".

Commenting on the long-term goals of DI@TECH, she said:

"By keeping pace with technological advances and trends through activities like the Technology Fair, Dubai International Academy is able to keep alive the spark that can spur ideas and improve the creative thought-process of students. However, large-scale events of this kind cannot be organised every year without the whole-hearted support of the private sector and the community. We wish to thank our sponsors for their generous donations, as well as parents and staff for their contribution in every possible manner".

One of the main highlights of DI@TECH 2007, which was sponsored by corporate heavyweights including HP, Microsoft, Intel and National Bank of Dubai, was an exhibition to showcase interactive displays and the creative skills of the school's Middle Years Programme (MYP) students. There were also interesting presentations by technology leaders and private school executives including Sam Al-Schamma, General Manager, GCC, Intel Corporation and Dr. Harold Fleetham, Superintendent, American School of Dubai.

The technology exhibition had it all - from creating calendars using special software to movie editing to mixing music digitally. A fascinating project involved a wide range of robotics including the prototype of a machine that could play golf minus the players. Robotics forms a part of the school's curriculum.

In addition, leading vendors including HP, Jumbo Electronics, Touchmate, Edutech, Road Ahead and Al Mutanabbi, provided special offers and value-for-money deals on IT products such as laptops, desktops, printers, USB drives and many more to students, parents, teachers and officials from the government and private sectors, who visited the fair. To add to the excitement visitors to DI@TECH 2007 also had the opportunity to win a range of fabulous prizes including an HP Laptop, an Intel Desktop, Microsoft software, webcams, and much more.

Maarten Weijman, a Year 11 student from Holland, could not conceal his excitement on this special day: "This is a great and fun way to learn about technology. We have also given the opportunity for our Elementary School students to find out more about how they can integrate all their subjects with the help of technology".

Year 9 student, Athbah Al Roum, a UAE national was equally excited at participating in DI@TECH 2007: "Knowledge of technology will be a key factor in the future when people seek employment, and learning at an early stage will help us prepare better for a very competitive future," she said.

Michelle Hawatt, from Australia, whose children Zac, Aden and Iman study at Dubai International Academy, praised the school for organising such activities that provide children an opportunity to know the great leap that the world has made in the 21st century. "I am sure the Technology Fair will create a lot of positive energy that can be channeled into improving the critical thinking process of students".

Ruba Jeshi, one of the IT teachers at Dubai International Academy, said: "Using technology is now becoming fundamental to educating students on how to stay ahead in the very competitive future. At Dubai International Academy, we use technology as a tool to accelerate the learning process".

IT teachers, Najwa Arab and Manoj Alex also expressed satisfaction at the way the students had collaborated to put together a successful DI@TECH 2007 that offered a first-hand insight into the exciting world of technology.