Chair
Dr. Saeed Aldhaheri, Director, Center for Futures Studies, University of Dubai, Dubai, UAE
Introduction
What if the walls of classrooms could expand beyond their physical boundaries, embracing the vast expanse of knowledge the world has to offer? Imagine a future where learning is not confined to a single discipline, institution, or methodology. How can we leverage the power of technology and collaboration to create a more flexible, rich, inclusive, and interconnected educational ecosystem? Open Learning as a Service (OLaaS) stands at the forefront of this transformative journey, promising to disrupt traditional education paradigms and foster a new era of multidisciplinary learning.
Scope
OLaaS is an innovative approach to education that leverages Collaboration between universities, technology, and open resources to create a flexible, accessible, and multidisciplinary learning environment. It transcends the conventional models of education by integrating networked and open university concepts, collaborative learning and multidisciplinary education, and the adaptability of learning as a service. This approach not only facilitates access to a wide range of disciplines but also encourages the cross-pollination of ideas, fostering innovation and creativity. OLaaS is not just about making education more accessible; it's about making it more relevant, engaging, and effective for a rapidly changing world.
Objectives
- Discuss and recommend how OLaaS can be implemented and integrated into the UAE educational system and the role of universities and educational regulatory bodies.
- Understand the challenges in implementing OLaaS and multidisciplinary education and how can these be addressed
- Explore the role emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, Metaverse, Open learning platforms, and other technologies play in enhancing the quality and scalability of multidisciplinary open learning experiences.?
Potential Impact
OLaaS has the potential to revolutionize education by creating a global network of learners, educators, and resources. This paradigm shift can lead to:
- Enable flexible and personalized learning: By providing learners with flexibility to design their own learning paths based on their interests, goals, and learning styles, while equipping them with the cross-disciplinary skills and knowledge needed for success in the 21st century
- Increased innovation and problem-solving: By bringing together learners from diverse disciplines and backgrounds, OLaaS can foster cross-pollination of ideas and encourage innovative solutions to complex problems.
- Improved employability and career prospects: OLaaS equips learners with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the rapidly evolving job market, where multidisciplinary expertise and adaptability are highly valued.
Topics
- Networked and open university concept:
- Building flexible and personalized learning paths
- New trends in open, networked, and distance learning and their impact on education.
- System changes, educational policies, and regulations to promote open learning as a service and networked university concepts.
Session Outline
Session 1: Keynote
Dr. Fawaz Abu Sitta, Research Director, Center for Futures Studies, University of Dubai and visiting fellow, Hughes Hall, University of Cambridge, UK
Session 2: Panel session: How to implement open learning as a service and networked university concept
Moderator:
Dr. Saeed Aldhaheri, Director, Center for Futures Studies, University of Dubai, Dubai, UAE
Speakers:
- Dr. Eesa Bastaki, President, University of Dubai
- Prof. Abdulateef Alshamsi, Advisor to the Chairman, American University of Sharjah
- Prof. Yousef Assaf, President, RIT – Dubai
- Prof. Rupert Wegerif, Director, Digital Education Futures Initiative (DEFI), University of Cambridge
