SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT - UAE Interact

234 U N I T E D A R A B E M I R AT E S Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 8coordinate public planning for schools in new residentialdevelopments, and with transport authorities to facilitate adequatepublic access to schools.Integration of TechnologyThe agenda clearly states that students in Abu Dhabi should haveaccess to the best available technological tools and teachers shouldbe fully trained in the appropriate use of technology. To fulfil thisvision, the Abu Dhabi Education Zone has in place one of theworld’s best information technology education infrastructures.With private sector support, this could be replicated in all schools.The system makes provision for central administrative and datamanagement of all schools within the Abu Dhabi EducationZone, including human resources, school governance, academicinformation, student transfers and data mining for assessment ofeducational outcomes. All aspects of curriculum delivery andstudent learning can be managed centrally or locally. In time, thesystem will house newly sourced teaching tools to assist studentlearning. The system can be used to allow teacher-to-studentcommunication, and also direct teacher-to-parent communicationon student-related issues.Additionally, teacher training in use of technology is under way,with an aspiration that all teachers will acquire an InternationalComputer Driving Licence.A key objective of theDubai Strategic Plan2015 is to advanceeducation and ensurethat all UAE nationalshave access toquality educationopportunities.DUBAI STRATEGIC PLANOne of the key objectives of the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 is toadvance education, especially in public schools, and ensure thatall nationals have access to quality education opportunities. Thiswill be achieved by enhancing governance in the educationalsector; increasing accountability and transparency of schools;developing the quality of teachers and administration; upgradingcurriculums and teaching methods; improving the educationalenvironment to progress the public’s perception and attitudestowards education; and integrating people with special needsinto public and private schools.