Cloud, big data to be next big thing

Dubai - Officials released results of the study on Tuesday which stated that the educational institutions in the GCC have deployed complex learning systems as well as hardware.

From virtual or augmented reality lessons to wearable technology; and from 3D printing to smart drones and robots explaining quantum physics, the future of GCC classrooms is anything but unexciting.
Third platform technologies such as cloud, social media, mobility, and big data/analytics are touted to be the next big thing in education technology, according to a region-wide International Data Corporation (IDC) study commissioned by Intel. Officials released results of the study on Tuesday which stated that the educational institutions in the GCC have deployed complex learning systems as well as hardware.
IDC surveyed 90 educational institutions across the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain, of which only 45 institutes were in the UAE. Of this 60 per cent were schools and 40 per cent were universities.
Andy Nehme, Commercial Business Director of Intel Mena stated that the use of technology in the education sector has enhanced learning experience for students.
The survey highlighted that education ministries in each of these countries play a major role in ICT deployments within the education sector across the region.
The white paper added that UAE's high budget smart-learning programme aims to introduce smart classes in all schools with access to high-speed 4G networks. 
Rise of maker movement
Research Manager at IDC Swapna Subramani said virtual or augmented reality classrooms might also become popular and provide students with access to cross-border educational seminars and technical training courses.
Subramani said another trend expected to make waves in GCC schools and universities is the adoption of the maker movement. "The use of open source electronic tool kits within, along with 3D printing and wearable technology, has the potential to change the way in which educational projects are conducted," she said.
In this case, children are showing increased interest to create drones and robots inside the classroom. "Computer-controlled fabrication devices and laser cutting will also revolutionise the use of technology in education," she said.
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE