Abu Dhabi-UAE: 26 October, 2011 – The second edition of BETT Middle East has come to a close, demonstrating the benefits and importance of utilizing technology to enhance learning in classrooms. International technology companies with access to industry leaders, and respected organizations in the Middle Eastern education sector were able to provide a distinct look into the future of learning.
The second edition of BETT Middle East welcomed over 2,000 visitors and 75 exhibitors.
The ‘Learn Live: Teaching Live’ area in association with Heppell.net provided visitors with a comprehensive understanding as to how technology can be used to enhance learning in classrooms. Students and teachers from Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) profile schools, in partnership with Mosaica Education, demonstrated thematic and student-centred learning covering ICT, Mathematics, Science and English. In addition, CfBT Education demonstrated how ancient sites could be explored utilizing Google Earth, photographs and video material.
H.E. Dr. Mugheer Al Khaili, Director General, Abu Dhabi Education Council, said: “BETT is a renown international exhibition that was held for the first time eleven years ago in the United Kingdom. ADEC has agreed to host BETT Middle East for the 2nd annual year as part of Abu Dhabi government’s strategy plan to provide world-class infrastructure and facilities for its students. Our students should be independent thinkers with the ability to create, innovate and support the economic and social progression of Abu Dhabi and this can only be done with the support of world leading organizations, institutes and ICT innovators.”
Recognizing that every student is unique, a series of workshops and sessions were held on both days to demonstrate the various applications of technology. Practicing teachers demonstrated the various uses of handheld devices and eLearning methods to engage students who are independent and collaborative learners, and even those that are hard to reach, to make learning more interesting and fun.
A plethora of expert speakers took to the podium to discuss the challenges and opportunities in implementing a more technology focused learning environment and the significant benefits derived in doing so. In addition, Anwer Kotob, Manager, Public Sector Education, Cisco; and Richard Churches, Principal Consultant for Learning and Teaching, CfBT Education, participated in a panel discussion and explained the evolving role of technology in improving performance in schools.
Kevin Dunseath, Director Global Education - MENA region, Cisco, said: “BETT was a very successful event as representatives of numerous organisations both public and private had opportunities to network with leading educationalists from across the region to discuss the latest issues and challenges in education as well as how technology can help educators meet those challenges. Cisco’s role as the platinum sponsor of BETT demonstrates our continued strong commitment to Abu Dhabi’s education sector and to that of the UAE as a whole.
“Our participation in BETT represents yet another step forward in promoting Cisco’s vision of Connected Learning Societies. At Cisco, we believe that technology has the power not merely to reform but, rather, to transform education across the world and helps enables economic growth. Cisco offers media-rich learning environments that engage students and faculty, transform the teaching and learning experience, equip life-long learners, and effectively prepare students for the future so that it is relevant to the needs of 21st century learners, educators, and organizations.”
Abdulla Ebrahim Al Ahmed, Senior Vice President, Business Solutions, Etisalat, said:
“At Etisalat we believe that ICT can be harnessed for sociological and economic development of the country and Etisalat is proud to lead the education sector through innovative solutions and applications. Our association with BETT reinforces our commitment towards enhancing the education infrastructure in the UAE through advanced ICT deployments. The 21st century has created both challenges and opportunities for schools and educators. Not only have the opportunities to benefit from technology increased, but the benchmark for an acceptable level of education has also been raised. I invite all members of the education sector to take full advantage and use our modern technological services to help them achieve a knowledgeable and prosperous future.”
Key specialists in providing educational excellence that supported BETT Middle East 2011 include GEMS Education, The Information Technology Association of Jordan, CfBT Education Trust, Jordan Education Initiative (JEI), Mosaica Education Inc. and Beaconhouse.
Paul Dunne, Managing Director, Emap Connect, said: “A key reason for the success of BETT Middle East this year is the support we have received from ADEC, educational organizations, expert speakers and exhibitors. Having Cisco Systems International as a platinum sponsor and Etisalat as a strategic partner has helped this event gain credibility in the region. It is a privilege for us to bring everyone involved in the education sector together to network, learn and invest in education today to build a prosperous future.”
Exhibitors that participated at BETT Middle East 2011 include Microsoft Gulf, Hewlett-Packard, Promethean, Encyclopaedia Britannica, SMART, Pearson and many more.
Held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Abu Dhabi, UAE, BETT Middle East was co-located with Building Future Education MENA.