Abu Dhabi Teachers Receive Cybersecurity Training

About 200 teachers and administrative staff in Abu Dhabi were trained in cybersecurity as part of a first-of-its-kind programme offered by Abu Dhabi Education Council, ADEC, and the National Electronic Security Authority, NESA UAE, to prepare citizens to obtain the Cyber C3 certification.

Cyber C3, or Cyber Communication Culture Certificate, was specially developed and designed in the UAE to produce digitally literate and responsible citizens.

The training was part of a week-long professional development programme.

ADEC is keen on improving teachers’ qualifications through professional development programmes, said Mohammad Salem Al-Dhaheri, ADEC’s Executive Director of School Operations Sector.

The council seeks to enhance co-operation with various local institutions to provide pioneer programmes that contribute towards knowledge and professional development, he said.

NESA UAE seeks to promote a cybersecurity culture and protect children from new cyber risks.

Source: WAM/MMYS

Year of Giving reflects Sheikh Zayed’s Insightful Vision…

Year of Giving reflects Sheikh Zayed’s insightful vision, says Ruler’s Representative in Western Region

The declaration of 2017 as the Year of Giving by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan reflects the insightful vision of the founder of the UAE, late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, for putting people at the centre of all humanitarian efforts, said H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region and President of the Emirates Red Crescent.

He was speaking on the occasion of the UAE Food Bank launch, announced today by Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, as part of the Year of Giving initiative.

“Pursuance of generous giving is no unusual approach for our wise leadership, namely, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, who learnt from late Sheikh Zayed, the source of goodness, who benefited the Emiratis as well as all people, regardless of their faith or sex, and managed to transform the UAE into a world major donor of food, medicine and clothing,” Sheikh Hamadan said.

“God willing, the UAE’s journey of generous giving will continue to achieve its goals,” he added, calling upon citizens and expatriates to strengthen their solidarity and rush to charity work to help the needy through the UAE Food Bank project.

Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has approved the official logo of the ‘Year of Giving 2017’, to be used by all local, government and media entities in all campaigns, programmes and initiatives related to the initiative.

The design of the logo reflects all meanings of giving, and includes the initiative’s three factors of social responsibility, volunteering and serving the country, in addition to the year 2017.

In his remarks on the occasion, Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Chairman of the Higher National Committee for the Year of Giving said that the official logo, approved by Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, will be circulated to all entities as of Sunday, 1st January, 2017.

Al Gergawi said, “The outstanding official and societal interaction with the Year of Giving, launched by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, will contribute notably to achieving the objectives of the initiative and we expect qualitative initiatives and exceptional success in 2017”.

“We also expect the positive participation of the private sector and social figures to translate the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa to be achieved by the end of the year,” he added.

All the materials and technical elements of slogan are available through the Public Diplomacy Office of the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, and online at info@pdo.gov.ae.

He noted that the word ‘Giving’ represents the main component of the logo and that last letter of ‘Al Khair’ in Arabic (Giving) was written in the form of the frond of a palm tree, as palm trees represent a huge morale and cultural value in the UAE, combining the identity, geography and heritage of the country.

The Chairman of the Committee added that the palm tree used to have special status in the heart of the giving pioneer, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He said that Sheikh Zayed had paid notable attention to palm trees and worked on planting millions of them in the oases, cities and deserts of the country. The UAE achieved a world record in 2009 with the largest number of palm trees in the world in comparison to it area.

He also said that the fronds of the palm trees were being used specifically to be a symbol of the Year of Giving to reveal the importance of this blessed tree. People can benefit from every single part and component of palm trees. People can eat their fruit, its fronds are used in building houses, and other parts can be used in many local handicrafts.

He also reiterated that palm trees have been a source of life for human beings throughout the ages, adding they were mentioned in the Holy Quran more than 20 times and hailed by a Hadith of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).

He also pointed out it was taken into account when designing the logo to embody the nature of the UAE, through choosing seven leaves in the frond of the palm tree on both sides, which which on one side represent the seven emirates of the UAE and the harmony and unity among them, and on the other side refer to the contributions and achievements of the people in all the seven emirates of the country, as well as other segments of the UAE community.

He added that the yellow and gold colour reflect the Sun which refers to the beginning of a new day and symbolises hope, joy, happiness, positive energy and optimism.

President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan declared 2017 as the ‘Year of Giving’ in the UAE and the initiative focuses on three main pillars: creating a sense of community responsibility in the private sector, enhancing the spirit of volunteering and encouraging specialised volunteer programmes, and instilling loyalty and commitment in the next generations to serve their country.

Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, directed the formation of the Higher National Committee for the Year of Giving initiative. The Committee includes seven Federal Ministers and Secretaries-General of the Emirates’ Executive Councils in the UAE.

Source: WAM/Hazem/AAMIR

HBMSU leads Arab World at International Council for Open and Distance Education’s ‘Quality Network’

The Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) has joined the ranks of international academic and research institutions which recently got the ‘Quality Network’ membership from the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE). The membership is HBMSU’s latest global achievement supporting UNESCO’s efforts to raise the quality of higher education which in turn helps advancing sustainable national development.

It also reflects the university’s highest level of achievement as the premier institution which promotes quality education in the Arab World based on the smart education model and lifelong learning, as well as an active contributor in translating UNESCO’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, by ensuring inclusive and quality education for all and promoting life-long learning.

HBMSU has made one step closer on the path to excellence by reinforcing the culture of quality education in the Arab World through the nomination of Dr. Soma Al Haj Ali, Director of Excellence and Governance Center as the regional general coordinator for quality within ICDE’s ‘Quality Network’. Becoming part of the ‘Quality Network’ opens huge opportunities for HBMSU to consolidate the efforts of regional and international academic institutions in supporting the joint initiatives between ICDE and UNESCO. These initiatives aim to promote quality in smart, open and flexible education in line with international standards aimed at advancing higher education which is necessary to achieving comprehensive and sustainable development and building safer communities around the world.

Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of HBMSU, said that HMBSU’s successive achievements in reshaping the future of education in the Arab World in line with the requirements of the 21st century are moving forward with the consistent guidance and the wise directives of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and President of the University. Al Awar noted that joining the ‘Quality Network’ as a representative of the Arab World in the ICDE is an addition to the UAE’s achievements as the country has always been a leader in enriching knowledge and strengthening the smart learning culture in the Arab World based on the highest quality standards and innovation so that young generations are able to explore and make a better, more secure and sustainable future.

He further highlighted that ‘Quality Network’ at ICDE plays an important role in establishing a culture of open and flexible education necessary in establishing a major and positive change for future generations around the world, particularly in the Middle East. He added that HBMSU is committed to supporting ‘Quality Network’ and meet its objectives of making lifelong learning a fundamental tool for improving the lives of people. This effort serves to support UNESCO’s goals embodied in Education 2030, which seeks to ensure equitable and comprehensive quality education and improve opportunities for lifelong education for all.

Al Awar added: “We are glad that Dr. Soma Al Haj Ali have chosen as the regional general coordinator for quality in the Arab World. This is a big achievement and a new responsibility that urges us to continue our cooperation with the ICDE and explore new horizons for developing education, in line with the knowledge economy and local and regional sustainable development goals. We are committed to international efforts in providing high quality education for all, as it is the driving force towards building stable, secure and prosperous societies. We are confident that joining the ICDE’s ‘Quality Network’ will further boost the concept of distance learning. It lays a strong foundation for the role of alternative educational platforms in bringing about development through innovation, quality and smart transformation.”

 The ICDE puts quality education and lifelong learning among its main objectives and is committed to support UNESCO’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The ICDE has a strategic partnership with UNESCO which focuses on international coordination in providing education for all through smart, flexible and open education as a means to improve the lives of people around the world and support the efforts aimed at achieving sustainable development.

Moral Education subject will serve objectives of Year of Giving: ADEC official

The Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) has said the pilot programme to impart Moral Education in schools, set to be launched with the start of the second trimester next Sunday (8th January), will help achieve the objectives of the ‘Year of Giving,’ declared by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, last week.

The programme will particularly focus on community services.

The subject is being included in school curricula following co-operation and co-ordination among the Ministry of Education, the Abu Dhabi Education Council and other relevant institutions.

A plan to introduce Mandatory Moral Education for schoolchildren in the UAE was first announced in July by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Initially, Moral Education is being introduced as a subject in public and private schools in the form of a pilot programme to elicit feedback from parents and educators before it is finalised and officially launched.

The key elements in the subject include ethics, personal and community development, culture and heritage, civic education and human rights and responsibilities.

Emphasising the importance of values and morals in building nations, Dr. Ali Al Nuaimi, Director-General of the ADEC, said, “The initiative aims to promote ethical values among school students as well as noble concepts, such as tolerance, respect and community participation. This will be achieved by developing scientific educational programmes and frameworks to ensure the subject is integrated with the national education curriculum.

“It seeks to develop a spirit of proactive and positive interaction and responsibility, and encourage a love of learning, creativity, innovation and ambition in students,” he added.

Dr. Al Nuaimi indicated that the challenges of the 21st century required government, educators and parents to work together to teach ethics and community values to young people, and build an educated, cultured society that is deeply committed to its national identity as well as cultural and moral values.

Sara Al Suwaidi, Acting Manager of Curriculum Division, ADEC, said the pilot project would be implemented as the second trimester begins next week in nine public and private schools.

”The subject will be taught under this pilot project to more than 2,000 Cycle 1 and Cycle 2 school students,” she revealed in an interview with the Emirates News Agency, WAM.

”The Moral Education curriculum comprises four units: Character and Morality; Individual and the Community; Civic Studies and Cultural Studies,” Al Suwaidi explained.

These units, she indicated, teach students values and concepts of fairness and affection, caring and honesty, tolerance and respect for difference, resilience and perseverance, equality and appreciation, thoughtfulness and co-operation, peace and responsibility, hard work and perseverance, cognitive and emotional apathy, similarities and differences, intercultural relationships, understanding UAE culture, and influence of trade and travel and communication on culture as well as global economy and globalisation.

The focus will also be on values such as taking responsibility, ethics in sports, physical health and diet, mental health, making good decisions, digital challenges, valuing diversity, dealing with conflict, financial awareness and literacy, moral character and the virtue of ethics, respect and tolerance in a diverse society, individual moral responsibilities and duties, human needs, morality in the context of communities, morality in the context of states and introduction to global ethics.

Students will also learn about how the UAE grew into a diverse and inclusive society, the importance of cultural exchange and the position of the UAE in an increasingly globalised and interconnected world, growth of consultative governance in the UAE, governments and authority and the UAE judicial system.

Al Suwaidi added that the ADEC had organised a three-day training programme for teachers in preparation for the launch of the pilot phase of Moral Education as a subject across nine public and private schools.

The programme, which was organised as part of the Professional Development Week from 2nd-5th January, aimed to enhance teachers’ efficiency and to ensure they acquired the necessary knowledge and skills needed for teaching the newly introduced subject.

The training programme also aimed to introduce leaders and teachers of the Moral Education subject to its content and the pedagogy involved in teaching its units. It also offered educators an opportunity to reflect on the current methods of teaching in their schools and plans for launching the pilot programme.

The training programme also focused on the importance of a parent’s role and engagement.

”Moral Education will be taught as a subject once a week in the participating public and private schools as part of the Social Studies classes since both subjects include similar core objectives and topics,” Al Suwaidi told WAM.

As for the language of instruction, the subject will be delivered in Arabic in the public schools and in English in schools following foreign curricula.

”Introduction of Moral Education as a subject is part of the UAE Vision to provide a first-rate education system and build students with integrity of character,” she said.

The newly introduced subject reflects the ADEC’s mission to provide students with world-class education while also ensuring that students have a balanced and well-grounded personality that can be sustained by learning Moral Education as a subject.

The ADEC said proper training will be provided for teachers and school principals to introduce them to the programme as well as methods of application and assessment, which will focus on the practical side through hands-on projects and community service activities line with the ‘Year of Giving.’
Source: WAM/tfaham

Rubu’ Qarn Foundation holds forum with youth on their role in achieving UAE Vision 2021

Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohamed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, encouraged to invest in youth capacity building and fostering their talents which will contribute to building a positive and developed society that leads to the prosperity sought by the UAE leadership in various fields, and placing it among top countries to ensure the wellbeing, security and stability for being leaders of the future.

Out of Her Highness’s vision of young talent development, Rubu Qarn organized a special session in partnership with the Emirates Youth Council, which is part of the Council’s programme for the youth that aims to provide a platform to discuss their various concerns and challenges. More than a 100 young men and women from 18 to 30 years old participated in the discussions, along with a group of senior government officials and decision makers. The Rubu’ Qarn explored in detail the aspirations embodied in the UAE’s Vision 2021 as part of an ongoing initiative to engage the young generation to actively participate in shaping the country’s future.

The session focused on five key aspirations, namely: leadership and a sense of national responsibility, social cohesion, building a knowledge economy, a world-class healthcare system, and environmental protection. Each session highlights the importance of these goals and how the youth can develop themselves in order to become active contributors in achieving a prosperous UAE by 2021.

Jassem Albloushi, Member of the Board of Trustees, Rubu’ Qarn Foundation, said: “Our national leaders have so much hope and faith that the UAE youth of today will carry out very big tasks in the future to maintain and even exceed the achievements of our wise leaders today. This event has successfully achieved its purpose, which is to gain the youth’s confidence and express their opinions and insights regarding the country’s vision for the future. When they are able to express their thoughts, ideas and feelings, then they can easily contribute to the tasks of achieving the nation’s sustainable development goals and bring prosperity, not only amongst themselves, but for many others across the Arab World.”

 Mohammed al-Kaabi, a Presenter from Dubai Media Incorporated, moderated the event. A group of senior officials and representatives of government entities and institutions involved in youth development in the Emirate of Sharjah also attended the event, led by Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Ruler’s Office; H.E. Marwan bin Jassim Al Serkal, CEO, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority – Shurooq, Jassem Albloushi, Member of the Board of Trustees, Rubu’ Qarn Foundation, and Reem bin Karam, Director of NAMA Women Advancement Establishment, and Member of the Board of Trustees, Rubu’ Qarn Foundation.

The Ruba’ Qarn for Creating leaders is a first-of-its-kind entity at the local and regional level that seeks to build and develop youth over a period of 25 years. The creation of Ruba Qarn is regarded as particularly significant because it aims to focus on multiple areas and develops a wide range of skills and capabilities that contribute to building knowledge-based generations who enjoy creating, shaping and developing the future.  Ruba’ Qarn is an umbrella organisation of four Sharjah-based government entities, the Sharjah Children Centres, the Sharjah Youth Centres, Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah, and the Sharjah Tatweer Forum.

Pioneering LeadershipLab concept launched in the Middle East

GESS Dubai and global consultancy NoTosh to train teachers and school leaders on leadership and innovation

Dubai, United Arab Emirates; 02 March 2017 – School teachers and leaders stand to benefit from a pioneering training concept that is being launched for the first time in the Middle East and Africa at the GESS Dubai exhibition and conference happening this month.

Powered by NoTosh, a leading global consultancy on creativity and student engagement, the LeadershipLab is a new feature at GESS Dubai 2017 designed to provide a creative training space for teachers and school leaders to enhance their leadership skills and ability to launch and implement innovative ideas and projects.

“A popular leadership and innovation training tool abroad, we decided to bring the concept for the first time in the Middle East to GESS Dubai to enable teachers and school leaders to access a world-class training programme that will help them address leadership challenges in their classrooms and schools,” said Matt Thompson, Project Director, F&E Education, organisers of GESS Dubai scheduled to take place on March 14-16 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Participants can choose from six workshops designed and facilitated by NoTosh consultant Kynan Robinson. Attendees will benefit from attending the workshops in a number of ways, including delivering on an actual leadership project within 90 minutes, learning how to work differently and more effectively with teams, networking with fellow innovative leaders both nationally and internationally, exploring ideas, as well as developing strategies and tools to deal with problems in classrooms, among others.

“From my roots in music, to teaching in school classrooms, nothing gives me more pleasure than creating the space for people to thrive and grow. These workshops are designed to help people on the ground become leaders, not just delivering on their job but developing fresh ideas that become the lifeblood of the organisation. It doesn’t matter if you’re a school or a multi-million-dollar business – the principle is same,” explained Robinson, who has driven some of Australia’s fastest growing education technology firms.

Robinson will lead participants in six different workshops that will help them find the right problem to solve, explore connections that make or break innovation in schools, master ideation that turn daft ideas into brilliant solutions, test new ideas, learn prototyping to fast-track strategy execution; as well as find out about The Seven Spaces of Learning, a practical strategy for developing a new school building or renovating existing spaces.

Seats to the LeadershipLab are limited to 20 participants and on a first come, first served basis, so interested teachers and school leaders are encouraged to registering online at GESS Dubai.

SUC Garnered their 10th Championship Title at the 18th Skyline Inter-University Cricket Tournament

Skyline University College (SUC) Cricket Team has won their 10^th championship title at the 18^th Skyline Inter-University Cup Cricket Tournament 2017 as they triumphantly defeated Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science & Technology (ZSABIST) by 15 runs during the final match last February 23, 2017.

The final score of the match ended at: SUC 133/9 and ZABIST 118. Man of the Match in the Finals award went to Afsan of SUC and the Player of the Tournament was awarded to Khalid Shah of SUC. A tou

SUC cricket teams winning streaks over the past years have carved a mark in the cricket sport throughout the country. Their commendable and unwavering passion to the sports led them to own their rightful title for pushing themselves thrice as hard during trainings and practices.

Eleven other universities from the UAE participated in the tournament namely, Murdoch University, Amity University Dubai, University of Wollongong University Dubai, Manipal University Dubai, MiddleSex University, American University of Sharjah, Institute of Management Technology, Gulf Medical University, Bits Pilani Dubai, and Canadian University Dubai.

The 18^th Skyline Inter-University Cup Cricket Tournament is organized annually by Skyline University College Sports Department headed by Mr. Sanjay Benjamin.

A Day of Giving at SUC for Children with Special Needs

United Arab Emirates is a country known for its humanitarian achievements both in the local and global scene and this year, UAE President HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has declared 2017 as the “Year of Giving.”

The act of giving is not just through physical and material possessions but it is through one’s goodwill and pure intentions that it is genuinely shown. A society progresses because of people’s willingness to help others without a second thought and people’s initiative to spread kindness, love, and care to those in need every chance they have. There are different ways in which every person, establishment, or corporation can do to give back to the society and be part of the UAE’s humanitarian advocacy for the common good of the people.

Upholding this year’s UAE theme, “Year of Giving,” Skyline University College has been persistently working towards the good of the society by providing quality education to more than 60 nationalities, by granting scholarship funds and trainings to various government and private sectors, and by organizing career development workshops to high school teachers and students across the country. SUC is also known for its numerous Corporate Services Responsibility activities such as Sharjah Drivers Training, Old-Age Home Visit, Labor Camp Construction, Blood Donation Camp, and Drug Awareness Seminar.

This month on March 1, 2017, SUC Services Committee headed by Dr. Mohammad Abdul Salam organized a Fun-Filled Day—a day dedicated to the children with special needs from Al Manzil and Al Shams Club. SUC faculty members, student clubs, and staffs worked together to make the day memorable for all the children by means of creative workshops, entertainment numbers, gift giving, and a lot more surprises. “We at Skyline is committed to contribute to the betterment of the society and community and it has been our endeavor to impact the society positively befitting an institution of higher learning. In the year of giving, we have further extended our efforts to be one with the common cause more so for the need of the special child,” shared SUC Dean, Dr. Amitabh Upadhya.

The UAE’s 2017 theme, “Year of Giving,” is a great opportunity for everyone to fulfill his/her duties to the society. The only way to do this is to practice the act of giving in everyday life. It is something that should grow on people in order to champion the advocacy.  One simple act of volunteerism counts. Imagine every citizen of this country and of the world taking part in the “Year of Giving.” Wouldn’t it make this world a much better place to live in?

GETEX to offer interactive platform for global education services providers to engage international students

GCC to have 15 million students by 2020 at CAGR of 3.6 per cent

The GCC’s education sector is experiencing robust growth driven by a steady student enrolment rate amidst rapid population growth. The leadership push for the development of a knowledge-based economy in the UAE, is generating positive response to higher education from UAE Nationals. According to a recent study, the total number of students in the region’s education sector is poised to reach 15 million in 2020 at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.6 per cent from 12.6 million in 2015. Enrolment is set to grow at a CAGR of 5.1 per cent in private schools and 2.6 per cent in government schools.

The UAE in particular has been developing its higher education segment with the establishment of prominent international universities and educational institutions with the aim of becoming a hub for higher education to attract overseas students. The country’s tertiary enrolment rate is increasing, with 42,000 additional seats required by 2020. Of the AED 48.7 billion 2017 budget forming part of the five-year AED 248 billion general federal budget for 2017-2021, AED 10.2 billion or 20.5 per cent has been allocated for general and higher education.

Complementing the GCC’s robust education sector, the Gulf Education and Training Exhibition (GETEX), the leading student recruitment platform in the Middle East and Asia, offers a unique platform for educational institutions, colleges and universities from all over the world to get in touch with potential students. The interactive seminars at GETEX enables students to collectively listen to presentations from university representatives, ask questions and get first-hand information on various programs and courses, fee structures, campus and hostel facilities, and scholarship opportunities.

Anselm Godinho, Managing Director, International Conferences and Exhibitions, organiser of GETEX, said: “The GCC’s education sector is growing sustainably, supported by the high disposable income of the local and expatriate population who are on the lookout for high-quality education for their children. Also, the recent emphasis on industry-driven education has amplified the interest of students and parents who recognise the value of career-focused education. The traditional and cultural mind-set that education must be academic and intellectual or it’s not education has given way to a more modern concept leading to more students taking courses in the arts, media, mechanics, robotics, aviation, hospitality, among others.

As the Middle East’s longest-running student sourcing event, GETEX is a perfect venue for education services providers to meet prospective students to inform them about various educational programs and courses. We are confident that like previous shows, the 2017 edition of GETEX will enable colleges and universities to meet their student enrolment quotas.”

Dr S V Kota Reddy, Academic President – Manipal University, Dubai campus, commented: “Manipal University Dubai campus has been one of the earliest supporters of GETEX and a consistent participant for a number of years now. Students and parents find the exhibition to be a great opportunity to interact with professionals from the higher education space so that they can plan ahead when it comes to career options in the future. With a legacy that spans decades of quality education, we feel our presence here has been very effective over the years, being able to help students and parents take the right career decision.”

Dan Adkins, Academic Director for Murdoch University Dubai, added: “We have been participating in GETEX for seven years because it is the premier educational conference in the UAE and we have been told by many parents and students from across the region that they found it to be a great way to learn about the leading universities in the UAE, such as Murdoch University – Dubai. GETEX offers us the opportunity to assist students who will be making their university decisions over the next few years achieve their dreams.”

To be held under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Education, GETEX 2017 will take place from April 13 to 15, 2017 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The key features of GETEX Spring 2017 include seminars and Career Advisory and Counsellor Forums. In addition, a new segment – the Student Activity Floor – will demonstrate ‘learning beyond the classroom’ by integrating sports, hobbies and skills in a team building environment.

Gamification and Mobile Apps pushed in Schools to encourage Innovation

Dubai, United Arab Emirates; 07 March 2017 – Gamification is gaining traction among education professionals in the Gulf region as a way to make learning more interesting for students, and to encourage innovation in schools.

The UAE is aggressively pursuing gamification in schools, partnering with Finland’s seppo at the Ministry of Education’s National Innovation Exhibition last year to test the educational potential of games for teaching and learning.

Seppo is an innovative company that specialises in gamification and people engagement. It was founded in in 2012, when a group of teachers from Finland, a world leading country in education and gaming, discovered the power of gamification as a catalyst for motivation. Seppo started its journey by creating educational games. Soon after the team designed and developed a platform that allows anyone to create games for different purposes by themselves.

At the NIE, organisers and participants lauded the game for positively affecting the students’ learning process and raising their awareness related to the UAE innovation strategy, new high profile initiatives, STEM facts and others science projects exhibited by fellow students.

(Students from several UAE schools at the NIE found seppo to be a useful tool for learning)

Seppo makes another return to GESS Dubai this year to challenge participants from different schools to explore various innovations showcased at the region’s premier education exhibition and conference. Dubbed Explore GESS, the smartphone- or tablet-based game aims to showcase firsthand how gamification works within an education setting and how it can be integrated in the classroom to engage students.

“Showcasing this technology at GESS Dubai allows us to share with education professionals the many benefits of gamification for enhancing the teaching and learning experience, while also encouraging participants to explore innovative ways of using modern technology to benefit education in general,” said Matt Thompson, Project Director, F&E Education, organisers of GESS Dubai which will take place on March 14-16 2017, at the Dubai World Trade Centre (Halls 5-8).

Winners of the Explore GESS game will have a chance to visit Lapland in Finland, where seppo was developed and has since become an exciting tool used by around 70,000 students and 7,000 teachers globally. It is currently being used in some schools in the UAE. Interested schools may register by visiting www.gessdubai.seppo.io. The game will open on the 9th of March.

“Games are excellent way to motivate students. Seppo is a revolutionary game based learning platform which transforms the way we teach and allows students to develop 21st century learning skills and dispositions.  Seppo creates memorable learning experiences due to its competitive nature as a game based learning platform, which intrinsically motivates students to learn,” said Riku Alkio, co-found and CEO, Seppo.io.

Andrew Nolan Education Technology Manager, GEMS Innovation, Research and Development Unit, UAE, believes seppo enables students to gain mastery of their subjects in many ways than different traditional pedagogies. “Seppo changes the models of motivation. Students are moving from purely extrinsic motivatory factors to intrinsic motivation. The games are engaging learners to such extend that they want to push themselves and want to succeed and master. Seppo enables social and engaged learning which is rooted in educational research and theory,” he added.

Teachers and other education professionals who will be attending the 10th edition of GESS Dubai will also have a chance to learn from experts on how to better use gamification and mobile apps for their classrooms. The Coding Circle will lead a hands-on workshop on how to build an Android app using the famous MIT App Inventor, an easy-to-use tool that can help develop apps without having to learn any programming languages.

These and other sessions, discussions and workshops will be featured heavily in the Future Learning section of GESS Dubai which will highlight how modern technology is redefining the education landscape in many parts of the world, with a number of schools in the Gulf sharing best practices on how they have successfully integrated technology into the classroom experience.

For 10 years now, GESS Dubai has been the leading platform for leading suppliers of educational products and solutions to showcase their wares, including some of the most cutting-edge innovations that are critical to enhancing the quality of teaching and learning across schools in the Middle East.

The show is free to attend, and registration is now open to the public via the show’s website at www.gessdubai.com.

Cozmo Travel launches B2B trade portal for travel industry operators in the UAE

Cozmo Travel, a member of the Air Arabia Group and a leading travel management company in the region, has announced the launch of B2B trade portal www.travtrolley.com for local travel and tourism industry operators in the UAE. Cozmo Travel also has tied-up with Taiwan Tourism Board to launch a new destination within UAE this year.

This was announced at a Press conference organised in Dubai by senior officials from Cozmo Travel and Taiwan Tourism Board.

www.travtrolley.com is a new online booking system, which offers single login and account to manage the complete tour package including airlines, hotels and car rentals worldwide. The user-friendly interface was developed to empower both travel agencies and corporates in the UAE and the GCC region.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr Jamal Abdul Nazar, CEO of Cozmo Travel, said, “We are proud to launch the B2B trade portal for the travel sector operators in the UAE. This is another milestone achievement for Cozmo Travel that allows us to spearhead the industry by incorporating online innovations to serve our customers well. We have also signed a contract with Taiwan Tourism Board with a range of joint promotions to increase tourism and visibility for Taiwan through Cozmo Travel network.”

“Our new online platform will be a pioneering initiative in the UAE’s travel and tourism industry. We also plan to expand this initiative to other GCC countries. The B2B portal provides both inbound and outbound holiday packages across the globe based on various seasons and interests,” he added.

Mr Vishal Mehra – VP Sales, Taiwan Tourism Board, said, “We are pleased to tie-up with Cozmo Travel in the UAE. This partnership is aimed at increasing the number of visitors to Taiwan from the Middle East, a trend that is already on an upward index. We have recognised the fact that Taiwan has a huge potential for tourism offerings to the UAE in particular, and the GCC at large, owing to the multi-cultural population in the region. The partnership with Cozmo Travel will help us further boost interest and ease the travel to the beautiful Chinese island.”

Ms Deepa Rajesh, Head of Sales at Cozmo Travel, said, “We are happy to launch the B2B portal, which is a one-of-a-kind initiative in the UAE’s travel industry. We introduced this considering the evolution of new business models in the travel industry to provide travellers more choices and assist them in making more informed decisions in the digital age. We firmly believe that technology and digital sector is the way forward and with dedication and hard work we want to be one of the best service providers in the travel and tourism industry.”

“This portal is at the forefront both technologically and in terms of services offered. We are offering hundreds of airline fares and thousands of hotel rates at the users’ fingertips with special deals on 25 plus airlines and access to multiple GDS inventories as well as various LCCs for most competitive airline fares. The rates are equal or lower than the major online travel portals. The portal is also to have on-hold airline reservations and 24/7 B2B support via call centre,” she added.

Mr Vijay GB, Head of Information Technology at Cozmo Travel, said, “Launch of www.travtrolley.com is in line with the continuing evolution of information technology putting a considerable impact on the travel agency service industry. The portal, with an inbuilt transparent and easy accounting process system, allows tracking the whole travel package including airline and hotel reservation procedures, travel insurance, activities, global sightseeing – all available on a single portal. The web portal also features “your own personalised online travel office” with booking engine.”

Cozmo Travels has been conducting roadshows for the past two weeks in Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Ain and Fujairah covering all B2B agents across the UAE. The events witnessed more than 500 participants making it a huge success.

Television’s iconic dance reality show Nach Baliye is back with season 8

Television’s iconic dance reality show Nach Baliye is back with season 8

~ Because When in love, you’re a different person ~

LOVE is the best emotion a person can experience, and when LOVE is expressed through DANCE, it is bound to set the stage on fire.

Television’s favourite dance reality show Nach Baliye Season 8 is set to do just that. Nach Baliye, a show that celebrates the spirit of partnership through the exuberance of dance is all set to get the mercury soaring this season with a new line up of celebrity couples taking to the challenge!

We are not the same person when in love! So are celebrities in any way different? We as fans know and love many of these celebrities; but how are they when in LOVE? Are they the same person we know? Nach Baliye Season8 will surprise viewers as it will unfold the unseen side of our favourite celebrity couples. The 8th Season of the most awaited show on television will bring together an array of the most amazing couples, who would be celebrating their love on the stage of Nach Baliye and raise our heartbeat through their ‘Romance-wala Dance’ ! The show brings on board, the masters of ‘Romance and Dance, our judges – Sonakshi Sinha, Terence Lewis and Mohit Suri.

Produced by BBC, Season 8 of Nach Baliye brings together 10 celebrity Jodis that include Divyanka- Vivek Dahiya, Bharti Singh – Harsh Limbacheye, Sanaya – Mohit Sehgal, Pritam – Amanjot Singh, Dipika Kakkar – Shoaib Ibrahim, Siddarth – Trupti Jadhav, Utkarsha Naik – Manoj Verma, Sanam Johar – Abhigail Pandey, Aashka Goradia- Brent Goble, Monalisa Antara – Vikrant Singh.

On the onset of this new season, first- time judge of a dance reality show Sonakshi Sinha says, “I’m thrilled and equally excited to be part of season 8 of Nach Baliye. I’m a romantic person at heart and I have come on board to surround myself with love. I’m the Idealist and I’m here to see true love stories unfold, their chemistry and gauge which are the ones with ALL HEART”.  Terrence Lewis adds, “This season I would be the Perfectionist and according to me Perfect Love reflects in Perfect Acts. I believe when the going gets tough the love gets growing. I’ll keep a track of couples’ dancing journeys and will be looking for the PERFECT PERFORMANCES IN LOVE!”  Mohit Suri says, ““My role is that of a Realist in the show. I believe Love is not perfect. In fact, true love lies in imperfections. I feel “Agar jodi zyada hasti hai toh matlab unke beech kuch gadbad hai…” I’m here to see ‘the bigger picture’ and read between the lines when it comes to relationships.”

The couples this season are a mixed bag of young love stories, newly married and seasoned marriages. While Nach Baliye is a platform for Divyanka – Vivek who have just started their journey, to spend more time together amidst their hectic schedules.  Siddharth – Trupti, Pritam – Amanjot and Utkarsha – Manoj have been married since long.

In some cases, both halves of the couple are actors and TV personalities, whereas in some cases such as Aashka and Brent Goble, Brent is an NRI and the viewers would get to see the English Babu of the Desi Mem on the stage of Nach Baliye Season8. The dance show will add a whole new exciting edge to their relationship and prove to enhance their love story.

Nach Baliye 8 will be a wholesome package of entertainment with love, romance, dance and fun. Hosts on the show would be Karan Tacker and Kunj who will add their brand of humour and banter to this drama-filled dance show.

This April it will be romance in the air, as viewers will get to see the unseen side of their favourite ‘celeb jodis in love’ and their ‘Romance-wala Dance’.

GETEX Spring 2017 to offer Middle East students diverse options in higher education

Show to focus on residential schools, occupational and industry courses, professional development & tertiary education

In line with UAE Vision 2021’s objective of building a sustainable, diversified and knowledge-based economy, the country is gearing up for a renewed and strengthened education sector that will enable its people to acquire world-class skills and become lifelong learners. Complementing the UAE’s dynamic educational strategies, the Gulf Education and Training Exhibition (GETEX), the leading student recruitment platform in the Middle East and Asia, is set to host its spring edition from April 13 to 15, 2017 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

To be held under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Education and organised by International Conferences and Exhibitions (IC&E), GETEX Spring 2017 will be an influential platform for international education providers, enabling them to achieve their student enrolment targets. The three-day show will facilitate meetups between aspiring students and professional recruitment advisors and counsellors from leading local and international universities who will provide expert advice on academic and occupational courses. Aside from being an information resource, exhibitors at GETEX also offer attractive scholarships for prospective students to encourage and advance their higher education aspirations.

Anselm Godinho, Managing Director, IC&E, said: “GETEX has been focussing on bringing the best of Education and Training to learners in the UAE. The region’s most successful event of its kind has served students from both the local and expatriate communities for close to 30 years.  Alongside the continuing and tertiary level of education normally on offer at GETEX, this year’s edition will also focus on residential and international schools. With learning programs being offered by over 350 education providers, we are confident of attracting more than 30,000 students in this year’s Spring edition.”

GETEX Spring 2017 will include a seminar schedule, a Career Advisory section, a Counsellors Forum, and an activity zone. The open forum seminars will be a direct interface for students, covering numerous topics on key study destinations, education financing, and scholarships. The Career Advisory section will provide visitors with insights on the region’s evolving employment landscape, while the Student Counsellor Forum is a professional development opportunity for Career Guidance Counsellors to acquire information and knowledge for successfully counselling students.  A new addition to GETEX, the Student Activity Floor, will demonstrate ‘learning beyond the classroom’ through the integration of sports, hobbies and skills in a team building environment.

CBSE class 10 Board Exams now Mandatory with Grades – official notification released at cbse.nic.in

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the official notification of restoring of Class 10 board examinations with effect from the academic year 2017-18.

The examination from academic year 2017-2018 and onwards would be conducted as per the remodelled assessment structure explained below:

Remodelled assessment structure for Class 10:

CBSE Class 10 Board exams gets compulsory, official notification released at cbse.nic.in

Periodic Test (10 marks):

The school should conduct three periodic written tests in the entire academic year and the average of the tests two will be taken. The schools have the autonomy to make its own schedule. However, for the purpose of gradient learning, three tests may be held, as one being the mid-term test and other the two being pre mid and post mid-term with portion of syllabus cumulatively covered. The gradually increasing portion of contents would prepare students acquire confidence for appearing in the board examination with 100 per cent syllabus. The school will take the average of the best two tests for final marks submission.

Notebook submission (5 marks):

Notebook submission as a part of internal assessment is aimed at enhancing seriousness of students towards preparing notes for the topics being taught in the classroom as well as assignments.

Subject Enrichment Activities (5 marks):

These are subject specific application activities aimed at enrichment of the understanding and skill development. These activities are to be recorded internally by respective subject teachers.

For languages:

Activities conducted for subject enrichment in languages should aim at equipping the learner to develop effective speaking and listening skills.

For Mathematics:

The listed laboratory activities and projects as given in the prescribed publication of CBSE/NCERT may be followed.

For Science:

The listed practical works/activities may be carried out as prescribed by the CBSE in the curriculum.

For Social Science:

Map and project work may be undertaken as a prescribed by the CBSE in the curriculum.

For more details, the candidates can click here: http://cbse.nic.in/newsite/attach/10th%20Board%20Exam%20English.pdf

Tag:CBSE class 10 Board Exams now Mandatory with Grades - official notification released at cbse.nic.in

Finalist of Crossfire 2017

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

Due to unforeseen circumstances Team AF-01 are unable to attend tomorrow’s final therefore we are replacing them with AF-03. All the Best to the Finalists of Crossfire 2017!!

Results are Up!! Heartiest Congratulations to the Finalist of Crossfire 2017… SEE YOU TOMORROW

9th Feb 2017 (Finale Topic) : Is Social Media Changing Our Daily Lives?
Venue: Skyline University College, Sharjah
Timings: 8.30am to 1pm