Posted on

Expensive American Education is Just a Myth says Carian College Advisors

Australia is most expensive destination for overseas students with total annual cost of attendance exceeding USD $38,000, reveals HSBC study
Dubai, UAE , January 15th, 2014 – According to a recent study by HSBC, Australia is the most expensive destination for overseas students, with a total average cost of attendance exceeding USD $38,000 per year, followed by the US at USD $35,000. 
This study was highlighted by Carian College Advisors, UAE’s leading independent educational consultancy focusing exclusively on US admissions, as it announced a scholarship competition for high school students in the UAE.
Peter Davos, Managing Director of Carian College Advisors said: “Families in Dubai typically look to the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Singapore in their research for global universities for undergraduate study. While American universities continue to dominate the global rankings lists, many families choose to apply exclusively to other international universities, because they are perceived to be less expensive than their American counterparts. In many cases, this is not true, and, increasingly, pursuing an undergraduate education in the US is less costly than the same course of study in other international destinations.” 
“The wealthiest fifteen universities in the US have eliminated loans for students and have a strong commitment to funding all accepted students, regardless of ability to pay,” explains Davos. “There are always opportunities to secure scholarships to US universities – even for international students. For example, one of our current Dubai students just received a recurring  annual scholarship of AED 60,000 to pursue her studies at Loyola University of Chicago; should she choose to enroll, her family will save 240,000 AED in education costs.” emphasized Davos. 
Davos added: “At Harvard, for example, no undergraduate pays more than a nominal contribution if their parents earn less than $65,000 per annum and students whose families make between $65,000 and $150,000 USD per year pay only 10% of their income in tuition.  Smaller institutions also offer significant merit aid, as high achieving students at all American universities are always considered for merit based aid, regardless of family income. 87% of all freshman at American universities are receiving some sort of aid.”
Elaborating on the announced Carian’s scholarship competition for high school students in the UAE, Davos said: “We are pleased to offer UAE students an opportunity to receive scholarships for Carian’s services so that they are well informed about education facilities in US universities.  Not only will we help guide them through every step of the application process, we will help guide them towards universities that will offer them the most financial aid.”
To be eligible for the scholarships, students must be enrolled in the  final two years of secondary school and submit a 500-word essay about why they want to pursue an undergraduate education in the US.  The winner of the competition will receive a free Crimson Package from Carian College Advisors, which is the consultancy’s most premium level of service and features, unlimited meetings with Carian’s consultants and assistance with up to 14 applications. Carian College Advisors will also award three runners-up with their Ivy Package, which offers weekly meetings with consultants and assistance with up to 10 applications.
“The number of students in the UAE attending university in the United States is on the rise. The scholarship competition allows students considering the US for higher studies to critically analyze the benefits of US education and to begin preparing mentally for the application process. Furthermore, winners will have access to our talented team of consultants that will assist them in every step of the process.”
Students must submit their essays by email to infocarianet.com by April 1, 2014 and answer the following prompt: “Why do you want to pursue undergraduate study in the United States and why do you deserve this scholarship?” Carian College Advisors’s team of consultants is composed of Americans with Master degrees who have graduated from universities in the United States and have experience in US University Admissions. The consultants guide students through each step of the university and application process, adhering to the highest ethical standards in the industry.
Davos concluded: “American universities continue to offer both generous funding and a solid return on investment, based on a flexible curriculum and emphasis on holistic personal development.”
Posted on

INCEIF President visits Dubai Center for Excellence in Islamic Banking and Finance.

 Both parties agree on the significance of establishing reference standards for licensing experts in the field of Islamic Finance
  
]UAE, December 23, 2013[ – Dubai Center for Excellence in Islamic Banking and Finance (DCIBF) recently received a visit from Daud Vicary Abdullah, CEO and President of the International Centre for Education in Islamic Finance (INCEIF), the global university of Islamic finance was established by Bank Negara Malaysia. On hand to meet him was HBMeU Chancellor Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, where they discussed various matters relating to the Islamic banking and finance sector and the importance of e-learning in this day and this era. Both parties also shared their experiences and discussed potential initiatives and projects that can be highly beneficial to HBMeU and INCEIF. Both parties have also agreed on the importance and need to establish key reference standards for licensing experts in the field of Islamic Finance.

Dr. Al Awar explained the importance of DCIBF to Dubai and the region,  as a quality-oriented addition to meet the needs of the Islamic banking and finance industry. He mentioned how the Center offers academic and professional training programs and scientific research in line with the best international practices. He further highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Center to establish Dubai as the world’s Islamic economy capital to support the ambitious vision and directives of the emirate’s leadership.
Dr. Al Awar said: “Launched by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and President of HBMeU, DCBIF offers high-quality academic programs and training courses to strengthen the concept of Islamic economy. We look forward to collaborating with INCEIF to develop curricula on Islamic banking and finance as it supports the Center’s vision of producing world-class talent for the global Islamic finance industry.” 
“With the advancement of online channels and digital media, eLearning has become highly relevant and can be availed by organizations for enhancing professional skill sets of their employees particularly through the executive training programs. The high standards set by HBMeU in the field of eLearning are commendable. We are confident that our collaboration with HBMeU will enable us to leverage on its position as a leading eUniversity, especially in this part of the region,” added Abdullah.  
Aside from discussing the importance of their respective entities during the meeting, both parties concluded that eLearning is an excellent platform for continuous professional development. They also agreed on the need to collaborate on several fronts, including joint courses to offer high-quality programs on Islamic banking and finance, develop curriculum relevant to the industry and focus on accreditations not just from educational authorities but also from industry related institutions.
INCEIF is one of many initiatives undertaken by Bank Negara Malaysia to develop and nurture talents and experts under the Malaysia International Islamic Finance Center (MIFC). It offers three postgraduate programmes in Islamic Finance – Chartered Islamic Finance Professional (CIPD), Masters in Islamic Finance and PhD in Islamic Finance. INCEIF offers industry-focussed executive education that includes customized executive programmes.  

The Dubai Center for Excellence in Islamic Banking and Finance’s academic programs are based on three pillars – Human Capital Development, Research, and Community Service. It was established through the mutual cooperation between HBMeU and the ‘Dubai: Capital of Islamic Economy’ initiative. 
Posted on

BurJuman “Fashion Expose” Competition Showcases Emirates’ Emerging Fashion Talent

Future Looks Bright for UAE Fashion Industry
Dubai, UAE, 23 December 2013 – Fashion students from across the UAE have recently gathered in Dubai to compete in the BurJuman’s Fashion Expose Competition. The event is the only competition between fashion colleges and universities held in the Emirates, and offers up-and-coming designers the opportunity to showcase their talent to local and international fashion houses and buyers.

The winning team from the Centre of Executive Education’s (CEE) Fashion Department will have their winning pieces showcased in the Saks Fifth Avenue BurJuman store. The team has also won AED20,000/- and various other prizes from the competition’s sponsors.
Competition entrants were judged on the creativity, innovation and adherence to the theme of their designs. This year’s theme was “Decades of Fashion – 1950s to the Present”. Suraiya Taufiq, Manal Al Younis, Huda Salem, Nabeela Amin, Assia Mehri, Subhashini Sam, Tishya Pandey and  Anisa Begum  were  part of the winning team.
Suraiya Taufiq says that the competition provides a forum for young fashion designers to grow their profile in the industry.
“Entering the fashion industry can be very competitive, but this event allows us to demonstrate to potential employers or potential buyers that we have both the design skills and technical capability necessary to produce beautiful garments. The Edexcel programme that we have undertaken at the Centre for Executive Education has given us a great start in our careers, and this competition is an opportunity to show to the market what we have learnt in this course, and what we can accomplish going forward”.
The Pearson Edexcel Professional Programme in Fashion Design being undertaken by the winning team at CEE is a practical-focussed qualification that can lead to university entry and membership of the United Kingdom’s prestigious Chartered Society of Designers. The programme has been designed to develop a breadth of understanding of the fashion industry and to provide a broad foundation for students from which they can determine which branch of the industry their personal talents are most suited. CEE has offered the programme for 14 years, producing a number of award winning students across International competitions including Dubai International Fashion Week, Hotel Show, Swarovski Bride Show and BurJuman Awards.
Revealing local design talent through Fashion Expose will help build Dubai’s growing international reputation as a regional and international fashion centre. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Maktoum, Vice-President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai recently signed a decree that will bring together the country’s public and private sectors to foster the growth, innovation and sustainability of the Emirate’s design and fashion industries.
Work has also started on a dedicated design quarter in the Emirate, to be known as the Dubai Design District, or D3. This new “design city” will be housed near Dubai mall, accommodating design, fashion and luxury organisations.
Mark Andrews, Regional Director of Pearson International Qualifications, says encouraging local talent through competitions such as Fashion Expose will help meet increasing demand across the region for well-trained fashion graduates.
“As the fashion industry grows in Dubai and across the region it is important that educational institutions are providing qualifications that give graduates the skills necessary to succeed in this burgeoning industry. The Pearson-Edexcel Professional Programme in Fashion Design helps prepare learners for a variety of careers in fashion, and gives learners the capabilities needed to thrive in the world of work – whether it is in fashion or any other industry”.  
Posted on

World’s leading learning company puts pursuit of efficacy at centre of strategy with implications for GCC operations .

Pearson commits to measure and report impact on learning outcomes

Dubai, UAE, 24 November 2013: Pearson, the world’s leading learning company, has announced a series of unique commitments designed to measure and increase the company’s impact on learning outcomes around the world, including the Gulf region where the company has a significant presence.
As part of a new global education strategy which sets out to help more people make progress in their lives through learning, Pearson has:

·         Committed to report audited learning outcomes, measures and targets alongside its financial accounts, covering its whole business by 2018;
·         Shared plans to “institutionalise” efficacy across Pearson’s organisation, creating dedicated focus and incentives towards learning outcomes targets for all business areas;
·         Published its Efficacy Framework – Pearson’s approach for ensuring its products and services enable students to learn what they need to make progress – for feedback and improvement;
·         Promised to develop a global research network to gather the evidence needed on the “path to efficacy”, and openly to share and broker debate around its findings.
The company’s ambition is to ensurethat its work is driven by an ever-clearer understanding of how it can maximise and measure its impact on learning outcomes, drawing on the lessons of the healthcare industry to invest in research and development and build new partnerships that will address the most pressing unmet needs in education.
Mr FadiKhalek, Pearson’s Vice President of Higher Education and Applied Learning in the Arab region says: “Since launching in the Middle East over half a century ago, Pearson has worked closely with learning institutions, governments and individuals to create effective learning solutions that have a positive impact on communities throughout the region. Pearson’s new commitment to efficacy allows us to continue with our journey to move from inputs to outcomes. We now have the tools to evidence the fulfilment of such goals and outcomes whether in our own, Pearson operated institutions or those whom we service”.
Identifying dialogue and collaboration with the wider education community as crucial to accelerate progress, Pearson has also published two reports. The first, Asking More: The Path to Efficacy, sets out the imperative for measuring and improving learning outcomes worldwide. The second, The Incomplete Guide to Delivering Learning Outcomes, shares in detail the company’s new approach to contributing to that goal and the progress it has made so far.
Asking More: The Path to Efficacy brings together some of the world’s leading education experts to highlight how research and data collection can enable a revolutionary degree of rigour in measuring and improving the success of learning products, educational programmes and institutions.
The report argues that efficacy in education is ‘as possible and as pressing’ as in healthcare, and includes contributions from global leaders in education and business including Andreas Schleicher of the OECD, Vicky Colbert of Escuela Nueva, Geoff Mulgan of NESTA and Jon Iwata of IBM.
Pearson will now extend this conversation by creating a new global research network, connecting Pearson’s internal research with outside experts, working together to address barriers to efficacy and big unanswered questions in education. The network will inform Pearson’s strategy and product development, and Pearson will share findings openly through a new online platform, Open Ideas.
Also published is The Incomplete Guide to Delivering Learning Outcomes. Authored by Sir Michael Barber (@michaelbarber9), Pearson’s Chief Education Advisor, and Saad Rizvi
(@saadhrizvi), Senior Vice President, Efficacy, the report shares Pearson’s “Efficacy Framework”, a Review process designed to evaluate and improve impact on learning outcomes, and set outs the company’s strategy, initiatives and insights in applying it.
Efficacy now moves from a pilot programme in Pearson to the centrepiece of its global education strategy. Every part of Pearson’s new organisation will have a senior leader with a specific brief for improving efficacy, and product roles will be reshaped to focus on delivering outcomes rather than inputs. This new network of efficacy leaders will ensure that the efficacy framework and its lessons are applied throughout the company, reviewing all investments over a value of $1m and reporting publicly on Pearson’s progress and impact.  Pearson will also include the delivery of learning outcomes as a central pillar of its HR policies including recruitment, training, performance management and reward.
John Fallon, Pearson’s chief executive, said: “Pearson’s purpose is to help people make progress in their lives through learning. So, we better be sure that we can demonstrate that progress, in all we do, in a meaningful way.
“Our aim is to ensure that every action, every decision, every process, and every investment we make will be driven by a clear sense and understanding of how it will make a measurable impact on learning outcomes. We need to institutionalise this process, and make it our natural habit.
“When we publish our annual report five years from now, we will, in a rigorous and externally audited way, be able to report on the progress we have made in improving learner outcomes.  To achieve this, we will need to collectively agree on the learner outcomes that we will track, measure and strive to achieve. 
“That work is a priority and we will be reaching out across the education community to consult on where we should be directing our energies.”
Michael Barber, Pearson’s Chief Education Advisor, said: “Education is so linked to the wellbeing of individuals and of the economy that we need much more rigorous systems in place to ensure it is working, urgently. Thanks to the growing body of research and data, and the opportunity of technology, achieving efficacy in education is not only as pressing, but now just as possible as in healthcare.

“Global education challenges are too steep for any one organisation to pursue independently. We are sharing the progress we are making so that others can challenge and support us to move more rapidly. Collaboration, partnership, and co-creation are the only way to transform education at the pace the learners we serve require.”
Posted on

First cooperative agreement between TAGI-UNI & Arabic university.

Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University signs MoU with Talal Abu-Ghazaleh University to deliver premier online education
 ]UAE, November 26, 2013[ Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University (HBMeU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Talal Abu-Ghazaleh University (TAGI-UNI) to deliver premier online education. Under the terms of the MoU, TAGI-UNI will promote HBMeU’s e-learning programs. The two parties also agreed to cooperate more closely in academic programs, student enrollment, and Joint Research Activities (JRAs). The new MoU is of great significance as it is the first agreement signed between TAGI-UNI & Arabic university.

Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor, HBMeU, said: “The strategic partnership with Talal Abu-Ghazaleh University is part of our continuing thrust to widen our international network of strong ties with leading academic institutions around the world in line with our ambitious vision of improving the quality of e-learning in the Arab World. The new agreement is of strategic importance as it provides solid ground to intensify our joint efforts to encourage scientific research and provide the best e-learning programs adhering to the highest standards of excellence and quality.”

“We are confident that our strategic partnership with a prominent academic institution, such as Talal Abu-Ghazaleh University, will open new opportunities to promote the culture of e-learning in the Arab World. We are looking forward to exchange the best academic practices and leading experiences which will play vital role in re-shaping the future of learning based on innovative methods in line with the rapid development of the digital world,” he added.
Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, President, TAGI-UNI, said: “The new partnership provides us with direct access to some of the best online programs from HBMeU, a leading, accredited online Arab university. It is a welcome addition to the growing list of TAGI-UNI’s partners, and the cooperation will certainly prove to be fruitful for both parties.”
Talal Abu-Ghazaleh University (www.tagiuni.com( is the gateway to the world’s best online education. The university partners with leading international education institutions to deliver accredited, world-class education to a global student body. It began securing partnerships in mid-2012 and has since signed agreements with Thunderbird School of Global Management, Liverpool University, Walden University, University of Northampton, Canisius College, Amity University, Fort Hays University, University of Scranton,  the British Council, UNITAR, the International Training and Development Group, Inlingua Cheltenham, Genashtim Innovative Learning, Pearson-Edexcel, and now The Hamdan Bin Mohammad e-University.
HBMeU is the first e-learning institute in the Arab World, It was established with the vision of developing a new learning process through the implementation of learning practices characterised by flexibility, quality and diversity. It aims to strengthen self-leadership among learners and prepare them socially and academically for a future career through integration with the job market.

The e-university employs impactful methods that have been developed through extensive research and development by specialists from all over the world. These include offering high quality programs, supporting the pursuit of lifelong learning, promoting the freedom of information, reinforcing a culture of excellence and innovation, and providing education for everyone in line with the highest standards of comprehensiveness and credibility. Hamdan Bin Mohammad e-University constantly identifies knowledge needs, supports research and development programs, and creates an outstanding environment for e-learning.
Posted on

EIAST Announces Winners of Entaliq Scholarship

UAE, October 9, 2013 – The Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST), part of a strategic initiative to inspire scientific innovation and technological advancement in the UAE, has announced the winners of the Entaliq scholarship. The scholarship aims to support talented high school students and university students from various engineering disciplines, including Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Software Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Optics, Aerospace, and Telecommunications Engineering

University students Marwan Al Sharid and Ahmad Al Nuaimi both received the Entaliq 2013 scholarship in line with efforts to increase the number of EIAST engineers working in the field of satellite manufacturing. There are currently 45 UAE experts who are working on the DubaiSat-3 Satellite project on the ground, with satellite segments to be developed on UAE soil exclusively by Emiratis.
H.E. Yousuf Al Shaibani,Director General, EIAST, said: “Investment into the UAE’s human capital is part of EIAST’s three-pronged strategy for advancing knowledge, infrastructure and manufacturing facilities in order to develop advanced satellite systems through the skills of UAE nationals. This is vital to advancing the UAE’s march towards excellence and becominga regional hub and pioneer in global space technology. The Entaliq scholarship focuses on promoting scientific and academic excellence in the field of space sciences and relevant engineering disciplines which have become the backbone of sustainable development.”
“Through our scholarships we aim to nurture a new generation of young UAE nationals who are able to keep pace with rapid developments in advanced technology. We shall provide a solid foundation for the transfer of knowledge and the promotion of a culture of scientific research and technological innovation in Dubai in line with the goals of UAE’s 2021 Vision which aspires to a knowledge-based economy. We are confident that the winners of this year’s scholarship will represent important additions to our team. We already have a dedicated group of engineers, experts and technicians involved in developing the DubaiSat-3 satellite as part of a new direction towards promoting overall development in light of the directives of our wise leadership,” Added Mona Al Qemzi, Assistant Director General for Financial and Administrative Affairs, EIAST.
Ahmad Al Nuaimi, a second-year Mechanical Engineering student said: “The Entaliq scholarship paves the way for young UAE nationals to reach the highest levels of scientific and academic excellence. He also praised EIAST for its pivotal role in developing the satellite industry and elevating the status of the UAE in this field.
“Winning the scholarship gave me a huge opportunity to improve not only in my field but personally as well,” said Marwan Al Sharid, a second-year mechanical engineering student expressing his joy at winning the scholarship. “The UAEhas made great strides towards establishing a strong presence within the global space sciences community.”
The Entaliq Scholarship program aims to support eligible studentsin pursuing higher education, accelerate the process of recruiting engineers according to the highest standards of academic excellence and technical development, and address projected vacancies of select departments at EIAST. EIAST provides both financial and moral support to winners of the scholarship, who can be high school graduates or university students. Preference is given to Computer, Electrical, Electronics, Software, Chemical, Mechanical and Telecommunications Engineering as well as Physics, Optics and Aerospace. These disciplines are highly relevant to EIAST’s current and future needs.
Posted on

UAE’s First Ever Doctoral Programs in Quality Management, Educational Leadership and Healthcare Management

World-class research supervised by local, international professors to support the UAE Vision 2021
UAE, September 15, 2013 – Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University (HBMeU) has officially launched the UAE’s first doctoral programs in Management – Total Quality Management, e-Education – Educational Leadership, Health and Environmental Studies – Healthcare Management for the new 2013-2014 academic year. The three new programs are accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research, and represent a major step forward in the efforts to encourage modern scientific research, disseminate knowledge to address the needs of the regional labor market and advance academic and intellectual achievements, particularly as they are closely linked to issues of social and economic development in the UAE and the Arab world.

HBMeU has employed highly qualified and experienced local and international academic supervisors to ensure that these programs match the highest quality standards in the provision of educational courses. The first batch of learners from different nationalities were accepted for the doctoral programs after undergoing a series of assessment tests that included oral and written tests, as well as personal interviews with each learner. The objectives of the new doctoral programs contribute to achieving the goals of the UAE Vision 2021 as they tackle a number of issues such as “The challenges of unemployment among UAE nationals from a practical point of view”, “The theory of effective national programs for achieving government excellence”, “Measuring the quality of knowledge in government institutions in the UAE”, “Intelligent application of  IT”, “Towards world-class health care management in the UAE”, and “Attitudes towards technical and vocational education: incentives and obstacles”.
 “As per the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and President of HBMeU, our vision is based on encouraging scientific research and the dissemination of a culture of quality and excellence in e-Learning across the Arab world through three of our schools; the e-School of Business and Quality Management, e-School of Health and Environmental Studies and School of e-Learning. HBMeU is keen to adopt integrated strategies and advanced academic policies that would support UAE’s 2021 Vision of transforming the UAE into one of the best countries in the world by 2021. There is no doubt that the doctoral dissertations due to be submitted by learners and researchers will have a positive impact on providing effective practical solutions based on the methods of scientific research to serve the strategic objectives and ambitious aspirations of our wise leadership,” said Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor.
HBMeU has already established fruitful partnerships with several well-known institutions to enrich its academic and professional programs. Consolidating these partnerships under the global consortium will ensure that HBMeU’s Ph.D. program will prove hugely successful in terms of academic quality and effectively serve the research needs of the Arab world. 
HBMeU is the first e-learning institute in the Arab World that was established with the vision to develop a new learning process through the implementation of learning practices characterised by flexibility, quality and diversity to strengthen self-leadership among learners and prepare them socially and academically for a future career through integration in the job market. HBMeU’s philosophy is based on vital methods that have been developed through extensive research and development by specialists from all over the world. These methods include offering high quality programs, supporting the pursuit of lifelong learning, promoting the freedom of information, reinforcing the culture of excellence and innovation and providing education for everyone in line with the highest standards of comprehensiveness and credibility. The university, which is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, seeks to constantly identify knowledge needs, support research and development programs and create an outstanding environment for e-learning.
Posted on

Stage Set for Early Kick-off of ‘EDUKEX 2013’ in Abu Dhabi and Dubai on 24 and 25 September

British Council: “3220 UAE students studying in UK this year, a 5 per cent increase over 2012”
Dubai, UAE, 16th September 2013 – According to the latest data released by British Council, the United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, there are 3220 UAE students studying in the UK for 2012-2013 academic year, which represents an increase of 5 per cent over 2011-2012 academic year.

This was revealed by British Council while announcing the 12th edition of the Education UK Exhibition ‘EDUKEX 2013’ which will be held from September 24 to 26 in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
British Council’s target for UAE students completing their higher education studies in the UK during 2013-2014 academic year is 4000, which represents an increase of 20 per cent over previous year.
Marc Jessel, Country Director, British Council, United Arab Emirates, said: “This year, British Council has brought forward EDUKEX in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to create space for preliminary talks with UAE students keen to study in the UK. The preference for the UK higher education system has often been inherited by these students from their parents and elder siblings. We are thrilled by this phenomenon, as it is an endorsement of the British higher education system, which is one of the oldest and most prestigious in the world.”
Jessel added: “More than 45 UK universities will be highlighting their latest academic programmes at the show. We anticipate significant insights will be provided to students and parents alike.”
Jessel pointed out: “The Education UK Exhibition (EDUKEX) serves as an ideal platform to promote the UK higher education programmes to students living in the UAE and increase their numbers through well-structured outreach.”
The UK education system enjoys a high reputation among UAE students as a gateway to acquiring skills that would enable them to compete effectively in the global job market. Jessel added that EDUKEX aims to raise awareness of the quality of UK higher education as well as showcase the wide range of courses and programmes on offer in the UK.
EDUKEX is a major activity conducted by the British Council to highlight opportunities presented by UK universities.
Jessel stressed that the show also seeks to build long-term institutional and individual links between higher education institutions in the UAE and the UK.
More than 45 UK universities and colleges will showcase a wide range of bachelors and masters courses, as well as foundation-year courses to visitors in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
EDUKEX 2013 will allow visitors to broaden their knowledge about English language courses, vocational courses and higher education courses offered by a number of UK universities.
Posted on

International Report Holds Special Significance for GCC Region Where Spending on Learning Technology is Some of the Highest in the World.

Launch of New Report to assist Educators in Selecting Learning Technology
Dubai, UAE, 14 August 2013 – Pearson, the world’s leading education company, has announced the publication of a new report, known as Alive in the Swamp, which gives practical advice on how to make more informed, evidence-based decisions when selecting learning technology.  The report comes as governments in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar continue to spend millions of US dollars on digital learning solutions. The release of the new report and evaluation index will help maximise this investment.
The Alive in the Swamp report contains an Index, which allows for systematic evaluation of new digital innovations. Under the Index, learning technologies are assessed along three criteria: the effectiveness of the learning technology’s pedagogy; its ability to activate real and lasting system change; and the accessibility and usability of the technology itself.
The Report and Index hold special relevance for the Gulf region, where government expenditure on digital learning is some of the highest in the world. The UAE Government’s ambition of paperless classrooms is being achieved through programmes such as the Federal Higher Education Mobile Learning Initiative, which was launched in September 2012 at a cost estimated to exceed AED50 million.
And while the large number of new learning technologies available in the region has presented both education ministries and schools with unprecedented choice, it has also made it more difficult to determine which of these tools will have the biggest impact on the learning outcomes of students. The Index and Report will allow education agencies, as well as primary and secondary schools, to decide what technology to invest in and when.
The release of Alive in the Swamp is timely, as recent international research indicates that educational technology is often being used to support existing teaching practices regardless of their efficacy, rather than helping to positively transform teaching and learning.
Sir Michael Barber, who acted as an education advisor to the former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, noted this trend in his forward to the Alive in the Swamp report, saying:
“The future will not belong to those who focus on technology alone but to those who place it in the wider context of what we know about maximising learning and realising system impact. This report helps advance that goal.”
Pearson’s Katelyn Donnelly, who co-authored the report with Michael Fullan agrees, saying:
“Technology has huge potential for strengthening and deepening what we can learn. However, given the breadth of digital learning products available in the market, it is often difficult to determine which products will have the greatest tangible benefits for schools and students. In a time of unprecedented digital innovation this Index will add clarity to the digital learning field. The Index is accessible and simple to use, allowing educators to employ it to select those digital learning tools that have proven efficacy”.
By identifying gaps in the digital education market, it is also hoped that the Index will lead to producers of learning technology creating products that are more effective in generating improved outcomes for students. Ms Donnelly says:
“We are confident that one of the outcomes Alive in the Swamp will be a drive to improve digital education products and how they are delivered. The Index has highlighted where innovation gaps exist, so we are hoping entrepreneurs will take up the challenge of creating new products that fill these holes in the market, and ultimately improve the quality of the learning technology available in the Gulf region and all around the world”.
Posted on

HBMeU’s Board of Governors looks into preparations to receive first batch of Ph.D. learners

Board discusses 2013/2014 Ph.D. program and addresses initiatives promoting Dubai as the world’s Islamic economy capital
UAE, July 31st, 2013 –As part of its efforts to enhance the quality of knowledge, the Board of Governors of Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University (HBMeU) recently concluded its fourth annual meeting for the academic year 2012/2013. The meeting agenda included reviewing the minutes of the previous meeting and addressing a number of key topics related to the initiatives that support Dubai’s transformation into the world’s Islamic economy capital, while discussing the Ph.D. programs to be launched by the beginning of the coming academic year 2013/2014. The introduction of the Ph.D. programs complements efforts to foster e-learning excellence through contemporary scientific research, academic and intellectual work and dissemination of modern knowledge.

The Board of Governors examined in detail the mechanisms to be used for the application of the Ph.D. programs in three key areas of learning – Ph.D. in Total Quality Management, Ph.D. in e-Education – Educational Leadership, and Ph.D. in Health and Environmental Studies – Healthcare Management. The three programs will include 14 out of 120 learners who will be selected after a series of written and oral examinations.  
The Board commended the efforts of HBMeU towards supporting strategic growth through the launch of high-level intellectual, academic and research initiatives, emphasising that the Ph.D. dissertations will cover various research topics that support the strategic objectives of UAE Vision 2021, including the Challenges of Unemployment among Emiratis from a Scientific Perspective, Theory of Effective National Government Excellence Program, Scale of Quality of Knowledge across Government Entities in the UAE, Smart Application of Information Technology, Towards a First-Class Healthcare Management in UAE, and About Technical and Vocational Learning: Incentives and Disincentives.
The meeting further underlined HBMeU’s quality initiatives that support Dubai as the world’s Islamic economy capital, in line with the announcement made by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The attendees also spoke about the University’s plans to encourage research studies in banking, Islamic finance and HR development to address the needs of the Islamic economy.
H.E. Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Dubai Police Chief and Chairman of HBMeU’s Board of Governors, said that the Board is keen to adopt the best initiatives that support efforts to promote the University as a leader in the field of e-learning and distance learning in the Arab World. “Adopting the three Ph.D. programmes in line with the terms and conditions of the Commission for Academic Accreditation of the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, is crucial to strengthening the knowledge-based society and raising the bar on e-learning as per the best international practices,” he added.
Lt. General Dahi Khalfan further pointed out that HBMeU is committed to helping learners in their Ph.D. dissertations to promote social and economic development, in line with the UAE Vision 2021, reaffirming that the University looks forward to ensuring the implementation of its initiatives to promote its position as the first choice academic institution in the Arab World.