'Environment Workshop to benefit over 22,500 students'

Organized in conjunction with the Emirates Wildlife Society in association with WWF (EWS - WWF), the workshop series has been designed to maximise the benefits of an online version of the Enviro-spellathon programme which was launched to schools in October this year.

The new programme which is sponsored by Emirates Foundation, Aldar and Géant/Le Marché, has been receiving excellent reviews from those schools that have already made the switch from a paper based resource to a digital format, with over 22,500 students already registered from across 60 schools in Dubai with more registrations coming in.

But as Rashmi De Roy, Education Manager at EWS-WWF and workshop coordinator, explained it's been a worthwhile experience and learning curve for all involved in the workshops which are taking place across the UAE.

"Since the Interactive Enviro-Spellathon programme is a first of its kind for the region, an up-skilling process has been required to help teachers bring environmental issues to life in the classroom. Considering the uptake by schools to date as well as the enthusiasm and numbers in attendance at the workshops, it is obvious local teachers are keen to learn for themselves how to implement all aspects of the Interactive Enviro-spellathon. It is a new concept for teaching young people about the UAE environment, but it's noteworthy that most teachers are already very accomplished when it comes to using high-tech online methods. All has been created with ease of use paramount, as we want to make teaching about the environment and testing students as effective and simple as possible,"

said Rashmi De Roy

"The workshops are also giving us some very valuable feedback and recommendations from the people we need it from most, the teachers who are responsible for implementing the new programme. But the vast majority of teachers have been very complimentary of the new format," She added

Eng. Hamdan Al Shaer, Director of Environment Department, Dubai Municipality, highlighted:

"Programmes such as the 'Interactive Enviro-Spellathon' will only succeed with the appetite and willingness of teachers to learn and adapt with changing times in education. So often it is the younger generations who have an awareness and appreciation of the latest technology. But improved learning and experiences will only result with teacher support and know-how. I'd like to commend all those involved in the workshops, as I've no doubt that it will have a hugely beneficial impact on the level of attainment and enjoyment in the classroom when learning about vital environmental issues."

"Seeing programmes such as Enviro-Spellathon move successfully from paper-based to digital is a perfect example of how Dubai Municipality is working tirelessly to adopt the latest teaching practices to ensure our children are provided with the best opportunities to learn and build knowledge," he added

"The CD Rom and online programme was developed by EWS-WWF with financial support from our sponsors to provide students with knowledge of the UAE's environment - its distinctive biodiversity that needs to be cared for and protected. Now the online platform has been launched with teachers trained in implementing the programme we expect to reach over 150,000 students in at least 300 schools across five emirates in this academic year," Rashmi continued