Edutech to host 'Gale Cengage Learning Users' meet' in Muscat

The event, which will provide training on 'Infotrac General Onefile' - a single electronic resource that provides instant access to an unprecedented number of periodicals, will underscore the importance of improving information literacy skills and how research can aid modern learning methods.

The event is in line with Edutech's aim to offer technology-based learning and information solutions to support the growing youth population in the Sultanate.

Leading academic institutions that have been using 'Infotrac General Onefile', including three leading institutions that have recently adopted the system, are set to gather under one roof to gain an in-depth understanding of this comprehensive periodical resource and its range of outstanding benefits.

With projections of an annual population growth of 3.46%, initiatives towards the adoption of technology driven learning solutions are being undertaken by the Oman Government, who have recognized the importance of information literacy and the greater need for using technology in learning in an attempt to further develop 21st century skills for the citizens of Oman.

In line with this, Edutech is partnering with Oman's leading educational institutions by showcasing the outstanding features of state-of-the-art information and learning solutions such as 'Infotrac General Onefile', which is being published by Gale, a world leader in eResearch and educational publishing for libraries, schools and businesses.

"With the rapid growth of the information society, the ability of graduates to be information literate has become critically important in order to know how to find information, how to focus it, how to apply it and how to filter out non essential or unreliable information sources. It is not only in academics but also in the workplace that knowledge workers should have the necessary critical skills to access and use information," said ASF Karim, CEO, Edutech Middle East.

"As a leading name in Information & Learning solutions in the region, our goal is to contribute to the advancement of the Sultanate's education system and in the adoption of technology in the learning process of its citizens. Through this users meet, we are hoping to aid Oman-based universities and learning institutions in providing top quality education to students through the use of reliable information sources like the 'Infotrac General Onefile' product."

Furthermore, Edutech is planning to provide in-depth training on 'Infotrac General Onefile' during the meet in the presence of a representative from GALE, in addition to highlighting new GALE products and services.

With two of the three academic organisations that have recently adopted 'Infotrac General Onefile' each signing separate three-year contracts, Edutech has identified the potential in partnering with more Oman-based academic institutions through this product.

A representative from Edutech has revealed that the universities, which they are targeting for the 'Infotrac General Onefile' product as well as for their overall expansion plan in Oman, include Sultan Qaboos University, Oman Medical College, Middle East College of Information Technology, and the Caledonian College of Engineering amongst others.

"We are happy to announce that our partnership with Gale Cengage Learning has also resulted in the formation of an informal consortia pricing that is especially offered to Oman-based educational institutions, which has helped universities procure reliable, relevant information for their organisations at an economical price. In line with our aims to drive the usage of information and learning solutions across the region, we are planning to bring in more such products to other emerging and established regional destinations," concluded Raghavendra Manbol - Head, Information Solutions, Edutech.