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A whitepaper released by SMART Technologies points to a 66% efficiency for Middle East teachers in tech-based education
Dubai, Nov 17, 2022: The efficiency of technology-based education for Middle East teachers has reached an impressive 66%, compared to 45% in the international markets, including North America and the UK, according to a research-based whitepaper released by Canadian Edtech innovator SMART Technologies.
The research also shows that schools across the Middle East deliver higher outcomes than their peers worldwide, particularly in technology use.
The white paper – What’s Working in EdTech Today: Middle East Insights for Success – research is based on a survey of more than 3,500 teachers, IT administrators, and leaders in technology and educational policy development and implementation across the globe, including professionals from the UAE Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Oman, Lebanon and Israel.
The survey findings put the Middle East in poll position when it comes to the use of technology in education (Edtech).
The research data has revealed that schools in the Middle East are performing better than their global counterparts, showing higher outcomes especially when it comes to effectiveness of teaching and learning with technology.
“We also see that schools reporting the highest outcomes in the region are using technology that provides interactive, collaborative learning experiences such as game-based and assessment software. Schools that are using non-interactive technology – like static projection systems, are reporting lower outcomes,” says Nadia Baraghithi, SMART’s Middle East Education Consultant.
The whitepaper – What’s Working in EdTech Today: Middle East Insights for Success – is released to coincide with its participation in GESS.
In terms of students, education efficiency currently stands at 69% in the Middle East, compared to 44% globally, yet students in the region that receive digital-centric education are 58% likely to meet academic performance standards, compared to 38% for students in other areas of the world.
“Along with reporting better outcomes than respondents in the rest of the world, Middle East respondents report slightly higher levels of development at 96%, meeting performing metrics, many capabilities, with some exceptions.”
While overall the survey findings make for good reading for Middle East educators, it also identifies some gaps.
“Though overall, Middle East respondents reported more technology use than respondents elsewhere, it did pinpoint a 5% lower regional use of interactive displays compared with the rest of the world,” says Aaron Fright, SMART’s Regional Sales Director.
The whitepaper goes on to highlight areas where the Middle East could further its Edtech use ranking, including enabling student participation in tech planning and implementation, assessment and measurement of students’ engagement and progress; the valuation and focus of professional development activities; provision of collaborative professional development opportunities for educators; precision focused technology investment.
“The research data highlights how technology that helps to move classrooms from passive knowledge-gathering spaces to interactive, stimulates environments keeps students engaged and connected with their learning. The whitepaper data, coupled with the science of learning tells, us that when students can connect and interact in various ways, and are active participants in their own learning, they are more engaged. This leads to better retention and comprehension,” adds Fright.
