Maarif and Intel sign cooperation agreement to promote modern learning technologies in Saudi Arabia

Under the agreement, the two parties will work to provide advanced educational solutions based on the use of Intel-powered classmate PC branded as Smartmate in the pre-school and primary levels of education in all Manarat Schools.

Teachers will be trained on how to best use these computers as effective learning tools and ultimately the program is planned to reach all 20 thousand students at Maarif managed educational institutions.

The agreement was signed by Dr. Abdulrahman Al Barrak, CEO of Maarif for Teaching and Training, and Abdulaziz Al Noghaither, general manager of Intel in Saudi Arabia.

Maarif will be the Kingdom's first educational company to use Smartmate computers, which is supported by advanced educational programs from Intel Corporation. The agreement will see the deployment of educational technological models and applications in all Maarif's establishments throughout Saudi Arabia. Intel will also transfer its international expertise in teacher training, learning technologies, and educational programs to Maarif with a view to promoting students' skills and independent learning.

Commenting on the agreement, Dr. Al-Barrak said:

"We in Maarif have always been eager to bring state-of-the-art learning technologies to our schools. Our vision on the importance of using technology in the learning process matches that of Intel’s. We will be able to build on their lengthy experience in this field. Today's agreement is an initiative of continuous cooperation between Maarif and Intel to provide the Kingdom's educational establishments with pioneering technological solutions."

"The cooperation will appear in a procedural action plan translating Maarif's IT strategy for the next school year, which will allow students to apply the 21st century learning concepts." he added.

Abdulaziz Al Noghaither, general manager of Intel in Saudi Arabia, noted the extensive experience that Maarif's working team enjoys and said: "Education is the only way to secure a good future for individuals, societies and countries. We at Intel believe that the IT sector has an opportunity to develop the learning process and student lives in the Kingdom. Today's agreement undoubtedly represents Intel's renewed commitment to developing and providing advanced technological solutions for teachers and learners in Saudi Arabia and the rest of the world."

Intel-powered Smartmate computers will be provided in the Kingdom by the Advanced Supplies Holding Company, which also offers a host of student-friendly software and educational applications supported by Intel Learning Series, a collection of hardware, software, and services designed specifically for education. Through its Learning Series initiative, Intel supports the technology companies that develop customized products and services intended to enrich the learning process in schools.

The design of Smartmate computers takes into consideration students' special needs. The PC's are small in size and therefore easy to carry by children. The keyboards are water resistant. Children can also fit them in their school bags as they are rugged and if dropped, more shock resistant. Smartmate computers also equipped with localized educational programs and applications supplied by program and content providers participating in Intel Learning Series initiative.

Intel-powered classmate PCs are part of Intel's Learning Series, that offers students and teachers’ integrated programs developed in collaboration with local computer-manufacturing companies and is offered to students through an extensive network of distributors. More than 100 computer makers and providers of educational programs, content, and services currently cooperate with Intel to develop a complete infrastructure that supports the Intel-powered classmate PC.