Du to introduce cloud-based teaching platform in schools

A new cloud-based teaching and learning platform will allow teachers to engage and connect with every student virtually in class.

The smart software, called Cloud Class Flow by du telecommunications, is currently in its pilot phase and is being tested in Dubai International School at two sections of grades six and 10, since February.

Acting principal of the school Nafez Al Hayek said the students and teachers have both benefited from the pilot phase, where teachers were able to deliver multimedia lessons across a connected learning environment.

"Using a username and password, students can access all the classes' content from the cloud-including assignments and assessment tests — on their tablets and laptops. By using this smart way of teaching, teachers are engaging and connecting students in a collaborative way.”

Al Hayek said 120 students are now using the software in their English, maths, science and French classes. In the long run, he hopes to have a paperless school, where all content is accessed online.

Jawad Shaikh, Executive Vice President - Digital business at du, said Cloud Class Flow will eventually be available commercially to all schools who wish to adopt smart learning, once the pilot phase is complete.

"The smart solution will give teachers the option of accessing each other's lesson plans and also access the lesson plans of schools from other countries in order to learn from each other's experiences.”

Shaikh said currently Du is still studying the feedback and is looking to study student outcomes after the introduction of the software.

Goncalo Fernandes, Head of Digital Services Enterprise at du, said teachers can create their content from scratch or import the same from the shared community.

"Overall, it unanimously increased the level of engagement so the results are very promising,” said Fernandes.

English teacher Emad Al Hamrawi, who used Cloud Class Flow to teach his grade six students, said it helps both teachers and students learn.

"Students don't like to learn with pen and paper, but there are happy to do so with technology. Even the weakest student is excited. For the teacher, having the content on the cloud means carrying fewer papers. The programme also corrects and grades the assessments so that means having less writing and paper to correct.”

Grade six students Rena Hussain and Jowanna Otaibi said the solution helps them understand the subject better.

"It made learning easier, I understand better. I like that we solve the exercises together in class,” said Rena.

Jowana said being book free is a plus.

"Books can be heavy, so this is a great solution to this problem. It also makes learning exciting and easier,” she said.
Source: Gulf News