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Using robotics to bring fun into Islamic studies

Dubai - Today, the 28-year-old Dubai-based Jordanian teacher is hugely popular among his students in GEMS United School.

Mohammad Abusenenh toyed with the idea of bringing fun into learning of Islamic Studies. He wanted revolutionary changes in the way it was taught, while making it interactive and involving the students. Abusenenh started dabbling in technology and incorporate it into his teaching strategy.
Today, the 28-year-old Dubai-based Jordanian teacher is hugely popular among his students in GEMS United School. Reason: He adopts robotics, coding, and artificial intelligence (AI) to enliven the classroom and makes the lessons extremely engaging for the pupils.
Abusenenh's out-of-the-box methods won him 'The Most Inspirational' teacher title at the fourth annual 'Mariamma Varkey Awards for Inspirational and Outstanding Teaching' on October 3. He bagged the top prize of Dh220,000 during a ceremony at the GEMS World Academy.
Abusenenh feels the recognition comes for his efforts to integrate technology into Islamic Studies, a subject considered "very traditional" for a majority of the teaching community. "I am very excited about the award," said a jubilant Abusenenh. "I am going to use the award money to improve my classroom, add more technology, get better furniture and more educational materials that will enhance the way the students access learning," he added.
A graduate of Islamic Studies and Law with a professional diploma in teaching from Ajman, Abusenenh arrived in the UAE four years ago. "I began my career as a teacher at the International School of Creative Science in Sharjah four years ago. I joined the GEMS United School three years ago," he told Khaleej Times. Today, Abusenenh is the head of the department of Islamic Studies at the school and also the school's soccer coach for under-14 girl students.
Describing his teaching style, Abusenenh said: "It is full of fun, offers warmth and takes a modern approach. It is important that the student feel like home in my classroom." How does he integrate technology in Islamic education? Abusenenh pointed out: "I use several websites with my students. I encourage them to do coding to get a robot in the classroom to move. In this manner, I inculcate Islamic values using technology, making the classes very engaging, enjoyable and interesting."
He added: "My main goal as a teacher is to make a difference. Which means, to educate, learn, inspire and change."
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com