Getex Dubai 2009 global forum will discuss innovation and technology in teaching and learning and generate new ideas and practices for integrating technical tools to enhance literacy in the region.

The 21st edition of Getex Dubai, the Middle East's leading education fair, will be held from April 15 to 18 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, featuring the four segments of student recruitment, human resources and training, careers and education equipment and technology.

The global forum, now in its third year is produced by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), and has a global membership of over 85,000 professionals.

The forum will also focus on boosting literacy, which has improved significantly in the region as demonstrated by the UAE's 93 per cent literacy rate.

Topical subjects to be discussed include ICT strategies for the region's academic disciplines, meeting the high-tech expectations of 21st century learners, designing effective technology-rich learning environments, and top 10 tools and techniques for teaching and learning.

"Technology has become an integral part of education,” said Anselm Godinho, managing director, International Conferences & Exhibitions (IC&E), organisers of the event.

“The global forum will bring together regional and international experts to discuss strategies, new technologies and best practices that will be highly suitable to the educational landscape and academic requirements of the region," he added.

"The forum will also enable educators to better appreciate the challenges and opportunities presented by new education media."

Specific strands addressing elementary, secondary and higher education have been integrated in the global forum to expand the line-up of concurrent conferences and seminars designed to reinforce the status of Getex Dubai as the most comprehensive platform for learners, academics, job seekers and education procurement specialists to interact, network and exchange ideas.

Getex Dubai will also feature the 2009 Forum on HRD & Training for the global economy, an intensive conference program under the Getex HRD & Training segment.

Held under the patronage of Sheikh Nahayan Bin Mubarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Getex is a platform for education-oriented companies and institutions to present their academic and career-enhancing training programmes, education technologies, scholarships and consultancy services for students, parents, educators, professionals, corporate representatives and others who have a stake in the education sector. – TradeArabia News Service