Second GEF Conference and GESS Exhibition open with royal seal of approval

Representatives of the Education Ministries of member countries of the GCC were also in attendance at the show which features more than 200 exhibitors from over 20 countries showcasing a range of educational supplies and solutions; these range from information technology and multimedia learning aids through to classroom and sporting equipment and teaching aids for special needs education.

Over 4000 education professionals are expected to attend the three day event and the accompanying Forum.

Compared to last year's show, the number of exhibitors has risen by 58 per cent with double the number of countries represented, reflected in an increase in floor space of over 60 per cent. The Global Education Forum features over 90 seminars and workshops, designed specifically for education professionals.

In his opening address, His Excellency Dr. Hanif Hassan, the UAE's Minister of Education, said that the UAE represents a platform for technology innovators, whilst it has also established solid partnerships with the largest and most celebrated international organisations.

"The education reform plan has made tremendous advances, thanks to the interests of the UAE's Government in providing educational opportunities for all UAE nationals. The UAE's public schools have been provided with a modern IT infrastructure and extra-curricular activities and the Ministry of Education has signed a cooperation pact with IBM and the Emirates Telecommunications Corporation to upgrade all educational and technological facilities. Our goals are not restricted to upgrading services and educational facilities only, but raising the quality of education," Dr. Hanif added.

"The Ministry, therefore, has implemented best practice in mathematics, sciences and the English language so that students will be able to compete successfully across the world. By the end of the event, local, regional and international experts will be able to apply the best available technological and educational solutions in their curricula," he said.

Also talking at the opening were the General Chairman of the Forum - Dr Abdalla Al Amiri - and Stanley Litow, President of the IBM International Foundation. Dr Al Amiri remarked that the vision of a promising future for the UAE was intrinsically linked to the great desire and determination of establishing an integrated educational system that conforms to the best international standards.

"Our wise leaders have always put education at the top of their priorities and constantly encouraged the introduction of educational development programmes so that education would keep the pace with progress in the UAE," he said.

Stanley Litow warned that simply having technology was not enough. "The way that technology is implemented and especially its focus on teacher improvement and changes in classroom practice can transcend limited technological resources."

"When poorly implemented, technology can simply replace traditional textbooks and underscore drill and practice teaching methods. The uneven uses of technology and the degree to which teachers have been left out of the technological revolution in some countries may explain the fact that while technological change has been rapid, and spending has increased dramatically, schools have not enjoyed the kind of systemic improvement in student achievement that had been anticipated," he explained.

"For educational technology to work well, it cannot be merely 'added to the mix' of whatever is already going on in an educational system. Recent broad-based investigations have shown that skilled educators must guide its use, aligning it to instructional needs. The promise of technology for effective universal education lies in its use as an amplifier and extender of teacher effects," Litow concluded.