In recent years, digital learning has undergone a remarkable evolution, revolutionising the landscape of education. The rapid advancement of technology and the digitalisation of business have catalysed this transformation, paving the way for innovative educational approaches. From traditional classrooms to online platforms, the shift towards digital learning has been profound, impacting learners of all ages and backgrounds. This evolution has not only reshaped how knowledge is imparted but has also opened new educational opportunities, meeting the diverse needs of today’s learners.
Digital Learning Is Here to Stay
Digital learning has firmly established itself as an integral component of modern education and has quickly cemented its permanence in the educational landscape. The benefits it offers learners, instructors, and institutions are many.
For learners, the benefit of accessing educational resources and being able to enrol in courses from anywhere is one they cherish, especially adult learners who tend to have busier schedules and more commitments. Digital learning also brings education closer to remote areas where schools, universities, or learning centres might not be available. Furthermore, a vast array of highly specialised courses and programmes are made accessible through online learning, opening up new career paths for many.
The geographic flexibility that online learning offers also helps cut down on costs and save the planet by reducing the need for commutes to and from learning centres. Additionally, asynchronous learning can offer students more control over the pace of their learning, providing a more effective educational experience. While lifelong professional development was always available, it is also one area of learning that has become more accessible to individual professionals. And finally, let’s not forget the safety that distance learning has afforded us during the Covid-19 pandemic.
UAE’s Commitment to Digital Learning
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) stands at the forefront of nations heavily investing in and advancing online education initiatives. The UAE is one of the key leaders in digital education regionally, enhancing access to digital tools for educators. According to a 2021 report by Arthur D. Little, 88 per cent of teachers in the UAE now have access to these essential digital resources – that’s 24% above the global average. This accomplishment underscores the UAE’s strong dedication to harnessing technology for educational progress in the region. Among the trailblazers in this endeavour is Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) in Dubai which offers an impressive array of digital programmes. From undergraduate and master’s degrees to doctorate programmes, general education, and professional development opportunities, HBMSU provides a wide range of educational pathways, catering to individuals at various points in their education and career journey.
The university is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education and holds the distinction of being the first-ever smart learning institution to achieve such recognition. The university’s cloud campus includes specialisations from diverse domains, including AI and technology, quality and excellence, business acumen, education, and leadership and management innovation. One unique feature of HBMSU is its multilingual course catalogue with courses available in English, Arabic, and French, ensuring accessibility to a broader audience. Notably, HBMSU also provides a selection of enriching and compelling free courses.
Knowledge E has recently signed an MoU with HBMSU at GITEX 2023. As a result of this collaboration, KnE Learn’s self-paced programmes will now be hosted on HBMSU’s Cloud Campus. The Teaching Excellence programme will be available, both in English and in Arabic, to HBMSU cloud campus users. The Teaching Excellence knowledge track is a four-course programme designed to enhance educators’ skills and knowledge in four key areas: adult learning, student-centred curriculum design, measurements of learning, and online teaching. By offering comprehensive programmes like KnE Learn’s Teaching Excellence, HBMSU is actively enhancing its students’ capabilities and preparing them for the ever-evolving landscape of education.
Smart universities in the UAE are quickly becoming a main player in transforming the country’s education landscape. By leveraging technology for educational purposes, these universities are facilitating learning experiences for learners at different academic levels, as well as aiding in career development. With digital learning undeniably becoming an integral part of contemporary education, many institutions like HBMSU are revolutionising the face of education all around the world. Today, the future of higher education is increasingly intertwined with digital learning, promising a more accessible, flexible, and tailored learning experience for all and developing a highly skilled workforce prepared for the challenges of the digital age.
