The United Arab Emirates is a country that is not yet 50 years old, yet they are wise in where they invest their money. Sheik Nahayan bin Mubarak al-Nahayan, the now former education minister, is proud of the decisions the government has made to build - what he calls - a "knowledge-based economy." According to reports, the U.A.E.'s national budget carved out one-fifth of its total towards education. Mr. al-Nahayan claims, "We are investing in our people, who will drive our economy and society forward as global trends shift."
Some of the money went towards replacing textbooks by purchasing 14,000 iPads for faculty and students attending local federal universities. The belief is that iPads will "promote greater connectivity and interaction" amongst students and faculty members there and abroad. The government is also hoping that this measure will jostle loose those traditionalists who are so resistant to change. In addition, there has been a decided push towards advocating courses to be taught in English instead of Arabic. This allows the universities to recruit top performing teachers from around the world (especially countries like the U.S., the U.K., and Australia), it gives their programs international recognition, and as al-Nahayan says "it is the age of the English language." Some courses will still be available in Arabic, but the emphasis on English sends a statement that the ministry of education wants to promote a bilingual populace. The hope is that these policies will ensure students' success in the job market.
The government stresses that students pick fields that will lead to available job opportunities. In some cases they provide scholarships for specific fields in order to fill professions that are currently "undersupplied." They are planning for a future of graduates skilled in the professions of "energy, alternative energy, resource management, [and] water management." Perhaps the U.S.A. could take a few pointers from the U.A.E.
Jeff Chilcott
3/21/13
8:22PM
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/18/world/middleeast/uae-makes-huge-investment-in-education-and-technology.html?ref=internationaleducation
1 comment:
NICE BLOG!!! Technical education is a study of technology, in which students "learn about the processes and knowledge related to technology". As a study, it covers the human ability to shape and change the physical world to meet needs, by manipulating materials and tools with techniques. Thanks for sharing a nice information.
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