MoE embraces digital education
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Education seeks to upscale its educational systems and infrastructure in order to keep pace with the developments and enhance the quality of education. These efforts include developing Internet services, building electronic systems and applications, providing smart interactive services to users in the educational field, providing smart boards and launching several projects in the field of digital transformation.
Since the future of education also depends on the ability of digital solutions to transform schools into innovation centres, the Sultanate of Oman has sought to accelerate the implementation of its national agenda for comprehensive development placing the education sector at the core of its comprehensive transformation.
The Ministry of Education has awarded Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel) a project to equip a number of public schools in the governorates with more than 1,730 interactive boards. Interactive whiteboards combine the functions of a digital whiteboard, a display and a remote collaboration platform, enabling teachers to deliver multiple lessons simultaneously whether in the classroom or remotely. This technology supports AI-powered handwriting recognition, access to cloud-based content, and multimedia integration, enhancing a more engaging, personalised, and comprehensive learning experience.
Among these projects is expanding the digital infrastructure of schools by providing high-speed Internet access of up to 1 gigabit in over 900 schools across the country using fibre optic networks and fifth-generation 5G technology. This ensures reliable connectivity to support cloud learning, interactive platforms as well as seamless distance learning.
Dr Faisal bin Ali al Busaidy, Director-General of Information Technology at the Ministry of Education, stated that the ministry is committed to implementing its plans related to digital transformation by developing the systems and infrastructure necessary to implement distance learning and e-learning in all schools in the governorates. He added that the partnership with Omantel represents the ministry's commitment to engage a number of institutions and companies in achieving its digital strategy.
He added that the Ministry of Education and Omantel had previously forged a partnership regarding the provision of Google Education services during the Covid-19 pandemic in addition to numerous initiatives supporting the education sector.
Eng Alaa Eldin Bait Fadhel, Chief Commercial Officer of Omantel, said: 'We believe that education is the foundation for comprehensive economic growth and sustainable social impact. Our collaboration with the Ministry of Education reflects our commitment to empowering talent, nurturing competencies and ensuring that every student has the tools they need to succeed.
By implementing digital transformation projects, the Ministry of Education seeks to empower teachers and create a lasting impact by providing ongoing training and support. This enables teachers to integrate digital tools into their daily teaching process thus radically changing the way education is delivered. Smart classrooms promote digital inclusion, reduce reliance on traditional materials as well as expand access to education and build a knowledge-based society. — ONA
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