MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain) e-learning center leads the way to higher education

The centre, which is Bahrain's first higher education e-Learning facility, has enabled the University of Bahrain to become a vehicle for e-Teaching and e-Learning.

Built with a donation of over BD 300,000 from MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain), the centre supports higher education teaching and learning programmes through the use of highly advanced technology in a drive to adopt and develop future learning concepts.

Opened in March 2007 under the patronage of the King's wife, Her Majesty Shaikha Sabeeka Bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, who is also the President of the Supreme Council for Women, the e-Learning Centre will play a significant role in Bahrain's development as a technologically skilled society and comes as the government of Bahrain takes a regional lead in the launch of a range of e-Government services.

The centre focuses on promoting the adoption of wireless technology to support teaching and learning programmes across eight university departments. It can be accessed by 8000 students, and both staff and students are benefiting with 145 teaching modules already tailored for delivery on the university's e-Network.

MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain) recently recognised 12 e-learning Centre employees for their achievements in making the centre a resounding success by offering each employee a latest model mobile handset.

Dr. Ahmed Al Shatti, Chief Operating Officer of MTC Vodafone (Bahrain) said: "We are committed to the sustainable development of communication technology skills in the Bahrain labour market. MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain) is extremely supportive of the role that e-Learning can play in preparing students to meet the demands of working in the multicultural environment of today's global market, and by helping them to find job placements."

Dr. Khalid Buqahoos, Head of the e-Learning Centre at University of Bahrain, said:

"e-Learning is a new and powerful tool that is being used to support and enhance academic development in the world's best universities. We have already begun training academic professionals from a range of Bahrain colleges on using web-based communication technology to develop electronically-learnt modules."

Commenting on the significance of its partnership with MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain), Dr. Mariam Bint Hassan Al Khalifa, former University of Bahrain President said: "We appreciate the value that MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain) is able to contribute as a core partner in introducing new, technology-driven forms of teaching, learning and working."

The centre's facilities include a range of e-Learning tools including email, and online university chat and discussion rooms, which enable 24-hour interactivity and access to information for academic staff and students. It ultimately aims to support all University of Bahrain students to become proficient in the use of modern technology in their learning and to develop valuable employment skills.

The centre has a broader remit to cascade and share the knowledge and expertise acquired through the e-Learning and e-Teaching with other academic institutes and professionals throughout Bahrain.