HP creates 'digital classrooms' for Dubai International Academy

The school has partnered with HP in creating a state-of-the-art 'e-education' infrastructure for both administration and teaching, at their Emirates Hills campus.

The partnership will create an efficient IT communications network at the school that aims to deliver international study programmes, provide students with tools to communicate across the world, and help them become lifetime learners. According to Poonam Bhojani, Business and IT Director at Dubai International Academy, "We are acutely aware of the value of information technology to the teaching and learning processes, and have made a commitment to our students to have all the appropriate tools for academic success. In HP we have found an intuitive partner which understands the importance of creating a technology-rich atmosphere and engaging learning environments. With their experience and expertise, they are helping us develop a new model for e-education," she added.

DIA already has computer and multimedia labs, every part of the school is enabled for wireless computer access, and encourages continuous online interaction between parents, teachers and students through the school portal.

"HP's expertise and innovation in education are helping modern schools like DIA integrate and transform the learning environment for students, teachers, administrators and parents," said Anil Gandhi, General Manager, Personal Systems Group, HP Middle East. "As one of the first schools in the UAE to offer a trans-disciplinary curriculum, Dubai International Academy is visionary in enhancing its IT resources and processes to provide a better educational experience

Anil Gandhi explained that DIA's primary objective was to create a state-of-the-art IT infrastructure for purposes of administration and teaching. "When they approached us earlier this year at the HP Briefing Centre, we studied not just their needs but also analysed all future requirements in accordance with their growth plans. What we offered was a comprehensive solution - the school has collectively deployed several new pieces of new HP equipment, including desktop and notebook PCs, Proliant servers, storage devices , Multi-functional printers (MFPs) printers, and networks provided by ProCurve Networking."

The HP installation includes maintenance services and enhanced warranty protection from HP as part of the partnership offering.

"HP has a rich heritage in the education industry, and we can help schools and institutes design and deploy instructional and administrative portals, education data warehouse and reporting solutions based on specific size, needs, and goals. In addition our teams can help customers to better understand IT impact, and offer system sizing and design recommendations," Anil stated.