In the course of facilitating 21st century classroom pedagogy that supports its modern student-centered approach to education, the Community College of Qatar (CCQ) launched the first Instructional Technology and Learning Symposium under the theme ‘’The Effective Application of Educational Technology in Qatar”, in the presence of a number of industry experts, VIP guests, and dignitaries.
The one-day event witnessed the participation of nine high-profile expert speakers representing prominent institutions and education centers with a proven record in supporting the use of technology to develop teaching and learning in Qatar, including Texas A&M University at Qatar, Aspire Academy, Qatar Scientific Club, Qatar University, Police College, Al Faisal Without Borders Foundation, and CCQ.
In its first edition, the Symposium explored a series of measures, technologies, and learning approaches that can enrich students’ experience and enhance learning outcomes across the country’s educational institutions. The Symposium also served as a platform for exchanging ideas and best practices between instructors, researchers and specialists from distinguished institutions, through a number of informative presentations and focused discussion sessions.
In his welcome speech, CCQ’s President Dr. Mohamed Al-Naemi said:
“The growing penetration of technology in our lives cannot be ignored, and the impact of its rapid proliferation is evident in both the functioning and the output of a myriad industries. At CCQ, we are keen on actively harnessing innovative technologies to enhance students’ learning experience, improve the quality and outcome of their education, as well as to ensure their future success in personal and professional endeavors.”
He added: “Today, it gives us great pleasure to bring to you the first Instructional Technology and Learning Symposium, which we are confident is set to become an important expertise-exchange forum in the Ed-tech domain and a state of the sector overview of the latest instructional technologies utilized across Qatar’s leading educational institutions and centers. Furthermore, the informative sessions of today’s event will highlight instructional technologies’ role in developing a hands-on learning environment, creating opportunities for self-paced and collaborative learning, boosting students’ engagement and optimizing teaching resources.”
Topics discussed during the Symposium’s various sessions included developing Technology Transfer Ecosystems, use-cases of cutting-edge technologies and spaces in educational institutions, the advantages and disadvantages of Active Learning and Learning Technology, the role of a Learning Management System (LMS) in the teaching and learning process, Computer-Supported Classroom Interaction, and Cyber Security in GCC countries, among others.
The event also featured a number of dedicated booths that enabled the audience to learn more about advanced educational technologies and platforms adopted by CCQ’s Instructional Technology and Learning Center (ITLC), Qatar Scientific Club, Al Faisal Without Borders Foundation, Mada Assistive Technology Center, Aspire Academy, and other national institutions.
CCQ’s Instructional Technology and Learning Symposium is organized by the College’s ITLC. The Center facilitates technology-rich teaching and learning by working closely with faculty on the design and development of instructional content, conducting research on emerging technologies for use in academic settings, and delivering workshops and support services to students, faculty and staff on the use of new technologies. In doing so, ITLC actively supports CCQ’s pursuit of academic excellence and further enhances students’ holistic learning experience on and off-campus, while contributing to the development of a second-to-none education system that graduates generations empowered with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in an ever-evolving world, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030.
