The ‘Etisalat Education Technology Centre’ will be used to focus on research and development. The UAE Ministry of Education launched the country’s first state-of-the-art technology hub on Monday, in association with telecoms operator Etisalat and technology giant Microsoft. The ‘Etisalat Education Technology Centre’ will be used to focus on research and development and experimental educational tools. The hub has a number of large touchscreens that work as both demonstration units and smart education tools. The centre is equipped with video conferencing capability, enabling up to 60 people to participate in a live session. The centre was opened in the presence of H.E. Humaid Mohammed Obaid Al Qattami, UAE Minister of Education, and Saleh Al Abdooli, CEO, Etisalat UAE. “The UAE government’s vision is to provide the highest level of modern education that is up-to-date in curricula, technology and environment,” said H.E. Humaid Mohammed Obaid Al Qatami. “We want to provide the best infrastructure, facilities and services for the education sector that is accompanied with best teaching methodologies and expertise. “The current centre will be a hub for smart education, R&D and experiential educational tools that is located at the UAE Ministry of Education offices in Dubai and across the country connected over Etisalat network. “The centre with its state-of-the art equipment is in line with our direction towards the implementation of digital schools and smart learning.” The centre will also use a multimedia production room for tutorials and the making of videos, to be shared on social media instantly upon completion. The hub is the second project in partnership with Etisalat after the recent announcement of Duroosi Youtube channel – an online educational tool for Grade 11 and 12 students, developed by Etisalat under the ministry’s supervision. “Our role is to utilise the best technology available in the world to provide the best to our people and especially the student community,” said Saleh Al Abdooli, CEO, Etisalat UAE. “Etisalat is proud to work with the Ministry of Education again as well as technology partners enabling government initiatives and smart education in the country.” Source: Education News