HBMeU showcases Middle East’s first e-learning initiative based on Facebook.

Social Online Learning under the spotlight at Digital Media Forum 2013
[UAE, May 28, 2013]As part of its commitment to achieve a radical change in education, which is a key component of the UAE Vision 2021, Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University (HBMeU) recently participated in the second annual Digital Media Forum (DMF), the region’s first-of-its-kind conference which was held in Dubai with the participation of high-profile international figures from digital media and social networking. HBMeU Chancellor Dr. Mansoor Al Awar joined some of the leading regional and international experts and professionals to discuss the latest industry trends and exchange knowledge and expertise to help raise the bar of excellence in digital media.

Dr. Al Awar delivered a detailed presentation on the University’s social online learning initiative; Cloud Campus, which serves as the Middle East’s first-ever e-learning platform based on Facebook. Talking about the platform’s operating mechanism, Dr. Al Awar explained that the initiative provides e-learning services through the learner’s personal account on Facebook, under the highest standards of excellence and quality to reach a larger segment of learners in the Arab world and allow them direct access to Arabic online content to help create positive changes in local communities.
Dr. Al Awar further added that the Cloud Campus initiative draws upon an integrated concept that promotes contemporary, world-class learning for learners of different nationalities and age groups by offering them a convenient learning environment and an innovative and interactive e-learning experience under the supervision of senior professionals providing all levels of support and academic advice. Dr. Al Awar further shed light on the University’s strategic offerings, ranging from the various certified programs to financial aid and scholarship schemes and programs.

HBMeU’s Chancellor pointed out the educational, social and cultural aspects of the Cloud Campus initiative which aims to promote social responsibility, encourage the young generation to optimally leverage the available online interactive platforms and information resources and reinforce the culture of e-learning among the youth, in line with the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and President of the University, to reach as many learners as possible in the UAE, Arab world, Africa and Asia. The goal is to effectively contribute to re-shaping the future of education through creativity, while also contributing to sustainable human and social development in the region and worldwide.
To enable millions of clients and employees to use social learning services, Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University has maintained close partnerships with leading banks, mobile operators and other institutions in the Middle East, Africa and South West Asia, such as, Emirates NBD, Sharjah Islamic Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, ARAMEX and Zain Group.
On the sideline of the forum, Dr. Mansoor Al Awar held a meeting with Guy Yalif, Head of Global Product Marketing, Twitter, US, to discuss the cooperation between Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University and Twitter.
Cloud Campus initiative is the result of a strategic partnership with Global Learning S.A.R.L and offers best international curricula with over 1,200 interactive online lessons in the fields of mathematics, sciences and IT for elementary to secondary grades. It also includes business skill development for adults, providing 10 certified programs in Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Communication, Talent Development, Operation Management, Marketing, HR Development, Islamic Banking and many more. There are also more than 600 online lessons in English language for all age groups, from 3 year-olds to adults, based on the Cambridge curricula and exams.