UAE’s Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning Program (MBRSLP) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Microsoft Gulf which aims at strengthening cooperation between the two parties in the field of Smart Learning.

The MoU is expected to provide major support to the launch of the Smart Learning Program and in particular focuses on the elements of training and qualification of teachers and schools.

The agreement was signed by the director general of the MBRSLP Mohammad Gheyath and chief operating officer of Microsoft Corporation Kevin Turner, in the headquarters of the UAE Ministry of Education.

It will provide training and evaluation for a year by a team of consultants who specialize in the field of technology and education to a group of schools within the Mohammed Bin Rashid Program for Smart Learning.

There will also be workshops organized that will allow 1,420 teachers to be trained on the latest innovation on education through the use of technology.

Through this memorandum, Microsoft will support the Smart Learning Program by providing guidance for the 25 schools in the year 2014 through assistance and training to provide guidance to school leaders, teachers and students as well.

The technical teams will also receive Microsoft's assistance in developing customized applications for teachers and students that aide the learning process.

To further support the development of teachers' performance and enable them to acquire the methods of smart learning the MOU will provide specialized training for fifty teachers who are part of the “Pioneer Program” providing them with the   expertise on the effective use of information and communication technology in the classroom.

Additionally, training workshops will be organized for about 250 teachers regarding the design of learning in the twenty-first century.

As part of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning Program, principals at each school nominate distinguished teachers to be part of the “Champion Teachers” to be pioneers who with the help of their colleagues coordinate activity between the school and the program to further enhance collaboration in the classrooms.

The memorandum of understanding also provides the opportunity to more than 400 teachers to join the global professional learning community through the Microsoft program for creative schools.

This program serves to help and guide the teacher to acquire modern technology skills through global certificates in the field of smart learning recognized by UNESCO.

In addition, it will provide the latest sources that help to improve performance and educational practices of school leaders through specialized workshops and provide the opportunity to communicate and share knowledge with various international schools are part of the global network of Microsoft Corporation.

“We at Mohamed Bin Rashid Smart Learning Program are careful to select only the best in class partners to continue to crystallize the UAE’s vision and the objectives of the Ministry of Education for a highly evolved education system. This MoU with Microsoft is one such partnership. Our collaboration with Microsoft will result in a highly supported and enriched learning experience in classrooms across the UAE,” said Gheyath.

Turner reiterated the organization’s commitment to providing students and teachers with the latest technology to support the Smart Learning Program in-line with the vision of the leadership of the UAE.

"The signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Smart Learning Program will enable thousands of teachers have access to the latest tools and methodologies to facilitate the smart learning process and helps the shape the minds of tomorrow’s leaders,” Turner said.

“Additionally, these technologies will be empower to students cooperate better in the classroom so as to enhance their experience with Smart Learning." – Reuters