ICT in Education in the UAE: An investigation into the use of ICT poster workshops on ‘Road Safety Campaigns’ with Male Emirati Students

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Date
2010-05
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Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The British University in Dubai (BUiD)
Abstract
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is still considered as a stand-alone subject in many countries – the UAE included. However, ICT has become vital and decisive in establishing a skilled workforce and empowering citizenry. This research outlines the importance of integrating ICT into the wider curriculum. It describes the use of ICT in an innovative way in order to enhance learning and to help students become active participants in the community. This study uses the mixed methods approach. Quantitative data is collected through administering a questionnaire to students on driving behaviour. This is then followed by workshops where students use ICT applications to create visuals in order to discuss and debate the issue. Finally, interviews with students were held first, to find out about their perceptions on using ICT for learning and second, to discuss their conceptions about driving attitudes and behaviour and the role of ICT in promoting citizenship. Results showed that the participants’ use of ICT in order to produce “Road Safety” posters was motivating and engaging. Besides, ICT was able to unveil the participants’ perceptions towards driving behaviour and attitudes. The study encountered a number of limitations mainly the lack of research on the inclusion of ICT in the wider curriculum in the UAE. as well as the unavailability of data from the UAE Ministry of Education on the systematic and strategic plans for the inclusion of ICT in teaching and learning in the UAE.
Description
DISSERTATION WITH DISTINCTION
Keywords
Information and Communication Technology (ICT), road safety, Emirati students, United Arab Emirates (UAE), curriculum, attitudes, teaching and learning
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