E-learning in Qatar and in Qatari Schools in Particular - Case Study Example

Overview of eLearning in Qatar and in Qatari Schools in particular Qatar considering the challenges faced in the modern times, has embraced the technological frames according to the need of the time. The administrative authorities have created a complete digital environment in the schools and educations institutes of high level. The one to one program by Qatar Academy is an example of this where one to one computers are being provided from grade 2nd to grade 10th. These computers are most user friendly and are equipped with all state of the art technological material and hardware/ software which is necessary to be part of a system. This is further supported by the provision of wireless internet in form of WIFI in the academic institutes. Students have access to all the digital material, the necessary websites needed in the curriculum. The class environment is totally participative where the teacher and student both interact live via these gadgets. These gadgets have taken the place of conventional tools like calculators, measuring tapes, constructors, scales etcetera (Academy, 2011). Qatar Academy is an example of its kind where the management is fully aware of the challenges faced in modern times and thereby has introduced systems that are according to the 21st century needs. Early education center provides the Montessori students and adaptable environment familiarizing them with digital devices. The instructors so inducted are all able personnel who have a grip on the subject. Qatar Academy is an example of the digital sense that is generating in the Qatar nation. On Governmental behalf the aim is for digitizing of the entire academic environment by 2014(ElGhanem, 2012). Overview of One to One computer initiatives from different countries around the world . Advantages and disadvantages. (One to One initiatives are projects where schools and governments give EACH student a computer to be used in classrooms for educational purposes). Singapore is a good example. Another example is Microsoft’s future schools in America. Please summaries other 5- 6 examples IN modern times, the one to one interactive imitative has become essential part of educational environment. Many nations have already adapted this format of education where each student is provided with a single computer in the class room. The computers so provided are fully protected and contain only academic content related applications. The browsing is fully under control. Microsoft in this regard has taken an initiative in the African countries where one laptop is distributed per child and that laptop contains the basic elements for the students under the slogan of “One laptop per child” (Miller, 2007). E-bay, Google and Red hat are also examples of the venture which aim at facilitating the young children with regard to the laptop at early stages in school. Advantages: Familiarization with digital media Easy communication between the students and teachers Motivational factor amongst children Making it easy for children to learn Colombia, Rwanda, Paraguay, Ghana, Sierra Leone are few of the countries in the aim list where the aim is to deliver and provide the students with the elementary form of computer which will help them knowing about the basic digital equipment of the modern times. Haiti, Canada, Ghana, Afghanistan, Columbia are few the many nations that have either placed a request or already received their items of delivery from the administrative and partner organizations. IN many parts of the world these computers are already in usage by the students mainly Africa and they are being supervised by the United Nations Agencies. Comparison between Operating systems (Apple, Android and Windows) in terms of their educational usability. i.e which one can be the best for school students and offer better features. I would appreciate if you can provide tables of similarities and differences between the three systems (form the educational point of view of course). Microsoft windows and Android can be placed ahead of Apple Operating system with regard to students’ usage and education purpose for children and schools. The level of user friendliness offered by these two is far more than the latter mentioned operating system. Windows interface is easy to learn, easy to handle and operate. Open source: In case of Android, another feature is the open source element, which makes it always open for the experts to come up with new elements which can help introduce further easy applications. Hardware compatibility: The advantage served by Windows is its general applicability and compatibility, in case of Mac operating system; it is specifically limited and dedicated to hardware which is proprietary Suitable Interface for students: considering the factor of availability of hardware and software updates, Microsoft windows may be preferred for students since any novice can get on with it very well. The Apple O.S might appear slightly perplexing in the beginning. Cost factor: the administration at times may go for the suitable within the budget product. In this case, Microsoft windows would always be at the top of the list considering the economy. Portable operating system: Android operating systems are best recommended for children when they are being used on portable devices or mini laptops. Tablets that are pretty common these days and in use all over are mostly android driven. For this purpose they hold the edge in terms of portability (Muir, 2011). Comparison between different types of computer machines (Normal laptops, apple Ipad, Samsung galaxy tab 10.1, Tablets) in terms of their use in school classrooms. Again, I would appreciate if you can provide tables and lists of similarities and differences between these machines. The modern times have brought about revolution in terms of the sizes of electronic devices. The most beneficiary in this case are the students and education places. With everything being taught through digital interface, these small gadgets have become essential part of the education institutes. Two of these are Android powered Samsung tablets, and Apple’s ubiquitous I pad. All are under 10 inch screens devices. Portable as anything, easy interfaces. Power factor for schools: with small screens, the battery time is bound to scale up, for this reason these tablets are favored for classroom environments as they are not power hungry and can easily last for 5 to 6 hours without the need for recharge. An edge over taken by Android O.S is that of flash player presence which makes access to many animated features possible for the students. Weight of normal tablet: less than 1.5 pounds The case of laptops: Those in size of 14 to 15 inches are less recommended. They are replaced by the mini laptops or tablets that are pretty common in modern times. Touch enabled: Most laptops are still button service oriented, the tablets are touch enabled making it more preferable and advanced in technology in terms of their usage(Dulaney & McMillan, 2012). A list of essential applications that should be provided to school students. Please provide bulleted lists. Please make different lists for (primary school students, middle school students and high school students) Primary school students: The dictionary built in the gadget Britannica Encyclopedia Typing tutor Digital globes with information about all the oceans, continents. Sketching and Drawing application (mostly a Painting application) Spelling Bee software Digital English puzzles Digital scrabble application Flash player as the necessary element for all levels of school students. Solar system information software Middle school students: Google map and other navigation based applications Simple Calculator to get familiarized with Typing tutor High school students: Microsoft office Scientific calculators. Measuring unit converters Geometric softwares for purpose of drawing and sketching. Newspaper access: can be sports page, international news, children section, or cartoon section as in case of middle and primary level children. A list of the best 50 websites that should be given to school students to help them with their studies in (English, math and science) Please provide bulleted lists. Please make different lists for (primary school students, middle school students and high school students http://elcerritowire.com/2/math.htm http://www.coolmath4kids.com/ http://www.multiplication.com/ www.coolmath.com. http://www.e-learningforkids.org/ http://learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/en/ http://www.rong-chang.com/kids.htm http://www.chillola.com/at/starterpage%20english%20new.html http://kindersay.com/ http://www.mingoville.com/en.html http://esl.yourdictionary.com/esl-for-students/English-as-a-Second-Language-Websites-for-Children.html http://www.esl-kids.com/links/links.html Middle school students: http://www.cimt.plymouth.ac.uk/projects/mep/default.htm www.mathleague.com http://www.mymaths.co.uk/ High school students: http://www.mathswatch.co.uk/ www.mathforum.com http://www.webmath.com Summary of Health issues that are connected with young children use of computers. Please provide bulleted lists. Computer has become essential part of every school and home. The young age group is directly exposed to it and most of their time is spent in front of computers. However the following are the risks that are being faced and gifted by computers. Eyes Strain factor: With less than a few meters distance between the monitors and eyes, they are first line of target. The rate of youth wearing spectacles is ever high and its due to one reason of too much exposure to computers Rays of various forms: All kinds of rays penetrate into the body that is exposed directly to the digital gadgets which are part of our pockets, tables. Violent games: they are another factor which are contributing towards the growing anger and agitation in the youth Physical dependence: most of the time is spent in front of computers which would otherwise be spent in parks and play grounds. Obesity: with no or little physical exercise in routine, obesity is pretty much common amongst the youth today and computer is the main factor towards it. Electromagnetic waves: these waves are strong enough to penetrate into the body and can have adverse impacts in longer run. Social factor compromise Other forms of physical fatigue Repetitive strain injuries Cysts formation(Shelly, Cashman, et.al 2007) References: Academy, Q. (2011). Qatar Academy. Retrieved from Technology: http://www.qataracademy.edu.qa/about-qatar-academy/technology Dulaney, E., & McMillan, T. (2012). CompTIA A+ Complete Review Guide. John Wiley & Sons. ElGhanem, N. (2012, Sep 10). Qatar to bring e-Learning to all schools by 2014. Retrieved from al-shorfa: http://al-shorfa.com/en_GB/articles/meii/features/2012/09/12/feature-02 Miller, H. J. (2007). Societies and Cities in the Age of Instant Access. Springer. Muir, N. C. (2011). Laptops and Tablets For Seniors For Dummies. John Wiley & Sons. Shelly, G. B., Cashman, T. J., Gunter, G. A., & Gunter, R. E. (2007). Teachers Discovering Computers: Integrating Technology and Digital Media in the Classroom. 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