e-Learning in the Gulf

Havier Haddad, General Manager, Gulf Region

In the Gulf, e-Learning solutions have been a priority for governments for many years, placing the region in an advantageous position in recent months.

In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, remote learning techniques have been in place as far back as the early 90s. The more recent National Communication and Information Technology Plan launched in 2007, highlighted electronic learning platforms as a requirement for all institutions. Meanwhile, the UAE’s Vision 2021 aimed for all schools, universities and students to be equipped with Smart systems and devices, as part of the drive towards a first rate education system.

These huge steps in educational digital transformation have without a doubt made the recent shift to distance learning for all a lot easier for schools and universities. But with a chance that students could continue home study into the next academic year, it’s important that schools have the enhance their solutions further to provide the best possible learning experience for students and teachers.

Powered by the right devices

For digital solutions to work effectively, the right devices are crucial. Students and teachers need to be able to access the lessons, databases and applications they need efficiently to get the most out of lesson time, with minimal disruption.

At Dell Technologies, we have a range of devices which meet the needs of students and teachers. For students, the Chromebook and Latitude Education series are purpose built, cost effective devices, designed with student needs in mind. For teachers, Latitude devices and mobile workstations provide the power needed to ensure lessons and applications run successfully, with options to upgrade features and memory when needed.

Supported by the right infrastructure

The right infrastructure can ensure a consistent experience for educators and students when working remotely, reducing the time spent fixing issues and maximizing the learning time in the school day.

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure can help to do just this, allowing teachers to access to the data and applications they need quickly whether on or off premise. This in turn will streamline IT resources, enabling overall operations to increase productivity.

Secured at every touch point

In education, security is crucial. With children working online, it’s important from a safeguarding perspective to ensure they are protected when using digital classrooms, and this is a collaborative effort from IT teams, teachers and parents to ensure all bases are covered.

  • IT Teams

With a range of tools being used by educators, it’s up to IT to ensure all tools and digital applications have built in security to protect students and sensitive data.

  • Teachers

Educators work with personal data on a daily basis, however when this was on premise, data was automatically protected through the network and devices. With the shift to remote learning, more onus is on teachers to ensure they are following the correct protocols to keep data safe.

  • Parents

In the modern age, staying safe online is a crucial life skill that children need to learn. Parents can aid this by talking to their children about the best ways to protect themselves online, and by putting parental controls on devices.

Learn more about Dell Technologies Education Solutions here, or get in touch for more information.

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