GETEX Dubai 2006 will host three days of seminars and workshops featuring 90 varied presentations

Anselm Godinho, Managing Director of event organisers, International Conferences and Exhibitions, said: "The development and provision of globally accepted education is being accorded priority by governments and managements across the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Middle East region. Much effort, adequate planning and thorough debate are essential to ensure the right outcome from such a large scale and significant initiative."

"As the region's largest forum dedicated to the cause of education and training, it is our responsibility to bring together policy makers and experts from diverse educational fields and disciplines to discuss important issues and interact with the teaching fraternity, concerned citizens and students. We are confident that these deliberations at the GETEX Dubai 2006 seminars and workshops will contribute much to the development of education in the UAE and the region,"

Godinho added.

The workshops on Special Needs will feature 18 presentations in Arabic and English, emphasizing on the need to make inclusive education available to children with special needs, making place for them in mainstream schools by adapting curricula, facilities and teaching systems to accommodate their needs. Disorders such as autism and dyslexia; speech therapy and training and employment of special needs persons will also be dealt with.

Speakers at the workshops are drawn from organisations such as the Dubai-based parents group, Genesis; the Awladouna Center for Learning and Rehabilitation; the US-based international group working with the disabled, ResCare; Al Ittihad Private School, Jumeirah; Dubai Education Zone; the support group, All 4 Downs Syndrome; educational games retailer, Braille House; and the non-profit centre for people with disabilities, Manzil.

Additionally, the seminars on Didactic Equipment and Technology will feature 11 presentations by representatives from international technology providers including the UK-based company, Promethean; Labtech International; DesignSoft; SMART Technologies; Technosophy; Christiani ME and Intermetal Ltd. These seminars will focus on teaching methodologies, computer IT training systems for technicians and engineers, multimedia software for teaching electronics and physics, IT for school managements, solutions for technical vocational education and training, teaching materials such as Intermetal's Multi-seat, interactive whiteboards and smart boards.

Through 20 bilingual presentations by education and career consultants, the seminars on Academic and Life Choices will highlight study options available for regional students in foreign institutions, advice on career mapping, learning styles and learning for students with disabilities. GETEX Dubai 2006 will also host exhibitor-led seminars on academic themes, featuring over 40 presentations by representatives of leading international universities and institutions. These will spell out strategies for SAT and GMAT testing, besides dwelling on the study options available at the Dubai Knowledge Village and in countries such as India, Canada, Switzerland, United States, Hong Kong, Germany, Australia and the United Kingdom.