Hussain Al Hammadi, UAE Minister of Education, recently address a key session on the occasion of International Day of Education. During the session, he hailed the efforts taken by the UAE's education community to overcome the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic by accelerating the pace of digital transformation in the education sector. The UAE also utilised various opportunities to affirm that education focuses on self-learning and advanced skills through the use of new technologies and expanding the scope and horizons of learning process.

Noting the ongoing pandemic situation, the international community realised the urgent need to strengthen cooperation and work to confront the various challenges caused by the health crisis, Al Hammadi added.

"It has become imperative for us to enhance educational development opportunities to ensure that it reaches all students around the world,” the Minister said.

He further stressed the importance and value of education and the leading role learning plays in fostering development, cooperation, global peace, strengthening global identity, and improving the quality of human life.

During the fight against COVID-19 pandemic in the past few months, schools across the UAE adopted remote or online learning to ensure the continuity of education while protecting the health and wellbeing of students, teachers and the entire school community.

Addressing an interview programme on a local TV channel last year, Al Hammadi had said education in the future will be defined by hybrid learning along with a mix of smart education using various educational platforms and technologies.

He further explained that a student is able to learn and receive educational materials through remote learning. However, they also require physical learning and go to school for in-class lessons under professional supervision. In in-person learning, students learn various soft and behavioural skills along with teamwork, interactions with their peers, using scientific laboratories, and practicing sports.

The Minister added that the COVID-19 pandemic has provided an opportunity to all stakeholders worldwide in the education sector to revamp the management and delivery of education.

Various education institutions, including schools and universities shifted from traditional learning to hybrid learning with the aim of promoting continuous education during the COVID-19 crisis. However, this transition called for the redevelopment and advancement of the education system and its tools along with the empowerment of educators.

Speaking in this regard, an education expert in the UAE said that schools and teachers should be perceived as vehicles for knowledge delivery. At the same time, they must be allowed to control and manage what they teach and how to pass the learning over to the students.

“Digital learning is very important for the future of education. Technology can also elevate the role of teachers from simply being knowledge transmitters to actively working as co-creators of knowledge, for their students,” the expert added.

On the occasion of International Day of Education, the ministry organised various activities including interactive and talking sessions. Furthermore, a review of the inspiring experiences around the world was presented by a group of students and teachers. During the session, the education community shared its success stories as part of the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.