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BETTing on Education – BETT Middle East 2017 Opens Today
Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, British Education and Training Technology (BETT) in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC), opened today in Abu Dhabi with a diverse lineup of leaders and decision-makers
Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, British Education and Training Technology (BETT) in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC), opened today in Abu Dhabi with a diverse lineup of leaders and decision-makers from the field of education from over 35 countries, including UAE, Saudi Arabia, France, Bahrain, United Kingdom, Egypt, and Oman.
BETT Middle East had an inspirational start in the most-happening city as illustrious speakers from global organizations and regional and governmental entities for its second two-day edition. The event is being attended by as many 1,600 education policy makers, leaders and experts..
The BETT Middle East Leadership Summit’s theme for this year is “Igniting Excitement through Innovation in Learning.” The day today saw thought-provoking keynote addresses, discussions and debates on a wide range of topics affecting educational transformation, including the latest trends in STEM education, educational equality and access, employability and 21st century skills, as well as data.
During his welcome speech His Excellency Dr. Ali Al Nuaimi, ADEC’s Director General, said: “It is with great honor that this event is under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Vice Chairman of ADEC, who looks forward to a successful outcome”. He added that ADEC was happy to partner with BETT to create a effective education platform that not only enhances networking opportunities for Abu Dhabi, but for the region, and one that brings about the best practices and experiences to education.”
Dr. Ali Al Nuaimi added: “As part of the Abu Dhabi Plan, one of ADEC’s top priorities and responsibilities for schools across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi is quality education. Our goal is to offer a promising future for our youth who are expected to contribute to the service of the country and society. Our wise and prudent leadership has always thrived to enhance its position as a global leader in education, thus attracting some of the most qualified and talented educators across the world to share their experiences and showcase updated strategies and plans towards elevating the overall education system in par with international standards.”
An interesting aspect of the day was participation of 500 educators including principals and Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) teachers from various public and private schools in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in different symposia.
The centre of attraction was attendance of Microsoft which held a “Digital Transformation Track” showcasing what digital transformation means for education and how to optimize institutions in a new digital era.
Anthony Salcito, Worldwide Education Vice President, Microsoft, in his keynote addressed stressed the importance of having technology in the classroom to improve student learning outcomes and prepare them for success in future. He pointed out that the digital transformation in schools and universities should be about the way students learn and emphasis should be on the skills students need.
“Technology today is changing the way teachers and students share and connect with each other. These ways of collaborating are creating new ways of learning – empowering students with skills for the modern workplace”, he stated.
In partnership with ADEC, Microsoft introduced the Teachers Academy; a range of workshops during BETT that aimed at training teachers from public and private schools to enhance their skills and develop creative digital lessons using Office, Mix and Creative Coding Through Games and Apps (CCGA).
As BETT continues to evince interest in educators, teachers and thought leaders across the world; everyone is looking forward to a new addition to BETT this year – BETT Middle East Awards; a celebration of the individuals, institutions and organizations inspiring educational excellence. The submissions were judged by a panel of members from BETT’s new VIP steering committee.