The education sector in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is undergoing a rapid transformation with the integration of technology. This digital revolution is driven by the need to modernize operations and cater to a digitally-empowered audience. The global education technology (EdTech) market is currently valued at $244 billion, and in the UAE, the adoption of EdTech has gained significant traction.
We all know UAE is one of those destinations that is known for future technology and innovation. The education sector of the UAE is also going through a rapid transformation with the integration of technology. According to uaetimes.ae , it has been predicted that education market growth will accelerate at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 5.03% in 2022-2026.
Source: uaetimes.ae
As time progresses, the education system has been revolutionized in the UAE to meet the modern learning needs of students. Let’s get to know more about how technology is revolutionizing the UAE education market and how educators are planning UAE students for future careers in a technology-driven world.
Impact of EdTech on the UAE Education
COVID-19 has played a huge role in accelerating the adoption of EdTech way of teaching and learning all over the world even in UAE. Almost every educational institute and company shifted their way of providing education online because of the pandemic and lockdown. The usage of EdTech has increased by 99% since 2020, which ensures continuity of education. However, the UAE has taken a virtual learning experience to the next level by using VR and AR to enhance learning in the UAE classroom.
How UAE is Investing In the EdTech Market?
In recent years especially after the pandemic, the UAE has experienced a significant rise in EdTech investment. The UAE government has taken the initiative of digital transformation, especially after the pandemic has paved the way for increased investment in technologies like virtual reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). According to many surveys, it has been predicted that both VR and AR can boost the UAE economy by over $4 Billion by 2030, which is equivalent to 1% of GDP.
The UAE is also expected to invest $23 Billion in national ICT (Information and Communication Technology) by 2024, which will help in developing digital literacy skills in UAE students.
UAE has witnessed numerous of Ed.Tech start-ups with almost 288 currently operating in the country. Cities like Abu Dhabi, which is the capital of the UAE, have already established thriving tech eco-systems and gained a position that supports establishing start-ups across various industries including in education technology. This progressive eco-system, which promotes various startup ideas combined with public and private initiatives, has attracted various entrepreneurs around the world.
Benefits of Integrating Technology In Education
Before the pandemic, many individuals were skeptical about the online way of teaching and learning and after the lockdown, it became a norm and became the first choice for both students and teachers. Let’s get to know some of the benefits of integrating technology into education in the UAE:
Enhancing Accessibility and Collaboration
Technology has totally revolutionized the way of learning all over the world even in the UAE. UAE has started the use of AI-powered learning platforms in UAE schools, blockchain technology sensor-based IoT and even using VR and AR to enhance learning in UAE classrooms with the aim of making education accessible and inclusive to learners.
Besides, there are also available various EdTech platforms where teachers and students can collaborate with each other to work on various projects of learning. Different kinds of virtual spaces like-games, video conferencing platforms, and innovative technologies like VR and AR make teacher-student collaboration easier than before.
Moreover, learning materials for students are now accessible from any corner of the world, which means flexibility and accessibility to a wider number of students in the world.
Enhance Engagement and Attention Rate of Students
The integration of technology into education makes it possible for many EdTech platforms to come up with ideas to enhance the learning experience by creating applications, learning-based gems, virtual collaboration platforms, and also by using VR and AR technologies.
These technologies make online learning opportunities for students in UAE more interactive, immersive, and enjoyable which ultimately results in students understanding their lesson and retaining it for a longer period of time.
Improved Environmental Sustainability
EdTech platforms are environmentally friendly as well because they reduce the use of physical materials like paper. Online learning is also responsible for reducing the overall carbon footprint. Additionally, it also eliminates the need to commute for teachers and students to physical classrooms, which also reduces transportation-related emissions.
Future of EdTech
UAE is already investing in future technologies and the future of EdTech is looking beyond promising. UAE government has already increased its investment in the EdTech industry because as the years will pass by the role of technology in the education sector will increase more and more.
EdTech offers various benefits for learners of all ages like- increased engagement rate toward learning, bridging communication gaps, and preparing UAE students for future careers in a technology-driven world by developing digital literacy skills in UAE students.
Let’s get to know the impact of integrating technology in different age groups learners-
In School- EdTech platforms prepare students for the advanced digital world.
In Universities- Using VR and AR to enhance learning in UAE classrooms, which offers immersive experiences and deeper insights into various technological fields.
In Professional World- Various EdTech platforms will help workers to upskill and reskill themselves according to the market demand to stay relevant.
EdTech Is The Future For Education
People were reluctant about the idea of integrating technology into the education industry. However, after the pandemic, it’s become the new normal and every educational institute is embracing the use of EdTech platforms for preparing UAE students for future careers in a technology world.
Those teachers who have pursued courses like International Master Degree Programs in UAE know the value of integrating technology within education and how to provide online opportunities for students in the UAE. It’s very necessary to understand the role of technology, which you can know by reading this blog, because EdTech will continue to shape the learning landscape, providing innovative solutions and empowering learners of all ages in the UAE and beyond.
