Challenges and Opportunities for Online Distance Learning in the UAE

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1 Challenges and Opportunities for Online Distance Learning in the UAE 19 th September 2014 Pune, India Dr. Naji AlMahdi Chief of the National Institute for Vocational Education

2 Content The United Arab Emirates Higher Education Institutions in the UAE Drivers for Online Distance Learning (ODL) in the UAE Relationship between confidence level and ODL evolution Landscape of Online Distance Learning in the UAE Opportunities Challenges 2/24

3 The United Arab Emirates (UAE) The UAE's population breakdown Other Arab and Iranian 23% Others 7% Emiratis 20% 50% Asians Emirati Asians Other Arab and Iranian Others Source: Euromonitor estimate The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is comprised of seven Emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah In 2013, UAE population was reported to be 9.2 million (World Bank 2014 Doing Business report) 3/24

4 Higher Education (HE) Institutions in the UAE Federal UAE Government institutions Examples: UAE University, Higher College of Technology, Zayed University etc. Local Local government institutions Examples: University of Sharjah, University of Dubai, Ajman University of Science and Technology, National Institution for Vocational Education, Hamdan Bin Zayed Smart Universities Private Private institutions Abu Dhabi University, Al Ghurair University, University of Jazeera, Al Khawarizmi International College International Branch campuses of international universities Example: BITS Pilani Dubai, Manipal University, Amity University, Herriot Watt University, New Your University, Paris-Sorbonne University 4/24

5 Drivers for Online Distance Learning in the UAE Increased confidence in the integrity of Online Distance Learning (ODL) with the recognition and accreditation of e-learning and Distance Learning programs by Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research Establishment of National Qualification Authority (NQA) to lead the HE towards an outcome based assessment Rapid development in information technology and widening skill gaps Demand for professional development for career growth Flexibility that fits work schedules 5/24

6 Confidence level Relationship between confidence level and ODL evolution High Authenticity, Transparency, Collaboration, Trust Five generations of Distance Education proposed by Tailor Low Authenticity, Transparency, Collaboration, Trust 1st Generation: Correspondence Model 2 nd Generation: Multi-media Model 3 rd Generation: Telelearning Model 4 th Generation: Flexible Learning Model 5 th Generation: Intelligent Flexible Learning Model Standardized text books + contracted tutor + examinations from accredited institutions One-way mass media (print, broadcasting TV/Radio, recorded media such as audiotape, videotape) Two-way synchronous telelearning using audio- and video-conferencing, An online replica of classroom. Online delivery via internet, asynchronous online learning combined with online interactive multimedia Adds a high degree of automation and students control to asynchronous online learning and interactive multimedia 6/24

7 Landscape of Online Distance Learning in the UAE Local Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) established in 2002 is the first e- learning academic institution accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. International This year the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research released a list of 105 accredited foreign online universities. Australia, 20 New Zealand, 5 United States, 34 United Kingdom, 46 Some foreign universities for E-learning: USA: Harvard University University of Florida Australia: University of Melbourne University of Sydney UK: University of Oxford University of Cambridge Source: Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research 7/24

8 Factors influencing Opportunities for ODL in the UAE Diverse demography Cost effective education Impact of globalization Opportunities Ease of accessibility Development of National Strategy Availability of state of the art Infrastructure 8/24

9 Opportunities Diverse Demography of the UAE UAE Work force breakdown Others, Emiratis, 1,17,022 Asian and non-arab, 25,07,792 Emiratis Asian and non-arab Others 0-14 years: 20.7% (male 597,476/female 570,275) years: 13.7% (male 457,647/female 311,673) years: 61.5% (male 2,639,018/female 820,915) years: 3.1% (male 132,718/female 43,624) 65 years and over: 1% (male 35,071/female 20,388) (2014 est.) Source: National Bureau of Statistics, UAE 9/24

10 Opportunities Growing demand for HE from Expatriate population Source: KHDA: Dubai Private Education Statistics 13/14 Motivated to acquire knowledge and skills for career progression while working Preference to retain their children completing school in the UAE to continue HE in UAE due to difficulty to get admission in their home country avoid challenges children might face as a result of relocation 10/24

11 Opportunities Impact of Globalization Globalization has made the world flatter and connected with education becoming a commodity Increased accessibility to information and technology and web-based services Increase in demand for lifelong learning Increasing costs of traditional education 11/24

12 Opportunities Development of National Strategy: UAE Vision 2021 To double the share of knowledge workers in the labor force To widen the application of technology enhanced learning To implement Smart Government initiatives Implementation of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning Program (an initiative to change the course of education in the UAE) 12/24

13 Opportunities State of the Art Infrastructure High speed and cost effective internet services State-of-the-art facilities Access to international learning resource development services Availability of international workforce 13/24

14 Opportunities Enhanced Accessibility 95 % of the people in UAE have internet connections Smart phones, ipad, Access to international educational qualifications Availability of online programs and courses e.g. MOOC Just-in-time open learning 14/24

15 Opportunities Cost Effectiveness Low cost education compared to traditional institutional based education Affordable international education 15/24

16 Challenges for Online Distance Education in the UAE Delivery Legal Pedagogy Challenges Acceptance Assessment Technology 16/24

17 Challenges Delivery Difficulty to provide hard skills to students enrolled in online education Challenges in partnering with local institutions to provide lab/ workshop facilities to delivery technical courses such as IT, Engineering, Medicine Development of e-learning material 17/24

18 Challenges Pedagogy Lack of readiness of learners to adopt learner-centric online distance learning that require self-learning, collaborative learning and reflective learning skills Pedagogical challenge of meeting needs of diverse students coming from different background and culture 18/24

19 Challenges Assessment Challenges in ensuring the authenticity and integrity of student work Difficulty in assessing practical skills of the learners e.g. performing laboratory test, troubleshooting hardware problem 19/24

20 Challenges Technology Rapid technological changes resulting in Huge investment requirements to upgrade infrastructure and resources Resistance from the teachers to adopt new technologies Extraneous cognitive load on learners to adopt new technologies 20/24

21 Challenges Acceptance Employers reluctance to accept online qualifications Concern about quality and standards of online distance education Recognition of online qualification by traditional universities 21/24

22 Challenges Legal Difficulties in obtaining recognition from the local authorities Growing emphasis on accreditation and certification Lack of progression path for further education Transfer of credits 22/24

23 Future Trends of ODL in the UAE Growing enrolments in higher education surpassing the capacity Increased demand for accredited Online Distance Learning programs Increased emphasis on lifelong learning to meet the rapidly changing skills need Increasing cost of traditional education fueling the demand for ODL Opportunities Challenges 23/24

24 References tion-system-needs-to-adapt-to-a-fast-changing-world 24/24