Covid-19: AI-powered e-learning platform in all UAE public schools soon

Dubai - The platform will be launched in 196 schools in Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah in phases by December 2020.

A digital learning platform powered by artificial intelligence (AI) will be implemented in all public schools in the UAE, the Ministry of Education (MoE) has announced. The Alef platform will help the ministry "achieve its goals of developing a digital education system capable of adapting to all possible changes caused due to the Covid-19 pandemic".
It will "turn the challenges faced in distance learning into promising opportunities", the ministry said.
The platform will be launched in 196 schools in Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah in phases by December 2020.
"The initiative aims at providing the UAE's educational system with the latest innovations in digital education including AI and big data. This programme serves the UAE's futuristic strategies and supports the application of smart education," the MoE said.
The platform will be used to teach over 40,000 students in grades 5 to 9 the "six core subjects": Arabic, Mathematics, Science, Islamic Studies, Social Studies and English. Students in grades 10 to 12 will be included next year.
Teachers and students will also have access to academic programmes "to support them throughout their journey in self-learning". Additionally, Alef Education will conduct virtual sessions for teachers on a monthly basis to cover new upgrades on the platform.
Abdul Rahman Al Hammadi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education, said the country is laying the foundation for a "flexible and effective virtual learning ecosystem". "The strategic vision of the MoE is built on a futuristic vision to develop an educational system that is up-to-date with the current developments in technology."
He said the country's education system is "equipped to overcome any challenges" by "utilising competitive and innovative styles to help support remote learning".
"The strategic partnership between the MoE and Alef Education will result in improved learning outcomes by creating an attractive learning environment. This will engage students and motivate them to ... think critically, making learning more engaging for the future generations."
 

• Dubai