New technologies are relevant to children as they equip them with skills that help maximise future societal and economic progress, said Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

"The world outside school has changed and technology has now taken the centre stage. Teachers have to embrace technologies to make children learn faster and shape them into thinkers and innovators," Sheikh Abdullah said.

Sheikh Abdullah made the comments on Saturday during his speech at Qudwa 2017, a Global Teachers' Forum, held at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi.

Held under the theme 'Teaching for Tomorrow', the forum has convened more than 900 education professionals from 80 countries to discuss latest global trends in empowering teachers and inspiring students. The two-day forum aims to empower teachers to improve the future of education.

"The goal of a new education system now is not limited to just teaching children, but to teach them how to think so they are able to be creative and innovative," said Sheikh Abdullah.

Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi, UAE Minister of Education stressed the importance of a teacher in education and their need to embrace technology. "Teachers will always play a pivotal role in education but they have to integrate technology into the education curriculum.

"We need to leverage technology in the education system, similar to its use in other sectors of the economy. For example in aviation, pilots can learn through flight simulations which not only make it less costly but also make the learning process easier. While in classrooms, virtual labs can be provided inside tablets, providing knowledge through a network to help grow and promote children's abilities."

Source: Khaleej Times