Smartphones to make smart pupils

ABU DHABI // Devices such as smartphones, tablet computers and laptops are the teaching tools of the future, visitors to an education exhibition in the capital will see.

Educators from across the region will next month discuss the technology and methods schools must adopt to improve the quality of education.

The Building Future Education Mena and Bett Middle East exhibition and conference will take place on October 25 and 26 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

The event, backed by the Abu Dhabi Education Council (Adec), will be attended by more than 100 exhibitors and 3,000 visitors.

Debbie French, the events director at Bett, said exhibitors would help visitors to understand how to incorporate technology into the classroom.

Adec recently announced a pilot programme at a few government schools where lessons are being taught using iPads and touch-screen computers from this year.

Ms French said such devices were expected to become the norm for teaching.

"I think learning platforms like the iPad, iPhone, laptops are brilliant and will be popular," she said. "It allows pupils to communicate better and helps teachers interact with peers from around the world.

"Gaming software for mathematics and science will make subjects interesting for children."

Training for the technology will be conducted for teachers at the venue, and there will be live classroom demonstrations. Speakers from University College London, Abu Dhabi University and the World Bank will also take part.

aahmed@thenational.ae