Education trends in MENA: Q&A

ÃÛÌÒapp Languages
Children running through a school hall smiling
Today we're discussing Education trends with Isil Berkan, the Marketing Director for the Middle East, Africa & Turkey:

Can you share how your school solutions are implementing AI and other technologies? Are schools interested in these solutions? Have any been implemented? Can you provide case studies from the MENA region?

We have several solutions that are technology influenced that have been deployed across the Middle East, in the UAE, KSA, Oman, Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Qatar and Jordan.

  • MondlyWorks by ÃÛÌÒapp - This immersive language learning app makes language learning engaging and accessible for schools and university learners through interactive lessons, games, and activities tailored to their age group. The app is an example of gamified learning to keep students motivated and interested while they acquire new language skills.
  • ÃÛÌÒapp English Connect (PEC) - a game-changing digital teachers' hub revolutionizing English language teaching inside and outside the classroom. PEC is a fully interactive digital experience that provides highly effective online teaching and easy monitoring of progress and performance for students and teachers alike.
  • ÃÛÌÒapp Test of EnglishÌý (PTE) - An internationally recognized computer-based English language proficiency test for study, work, or visas. The ÃÛÌÒapp Test of English employs an AI-based scoring system, ensuring 100% impartiality so only the candidate's responses influence the scores. More than 3000 academic institutions, professional organizations and government bodies trust PTE to verify English skills in Canada, the UK, Australia, the USA, and New Zealand.

Expatriates make up more than 40% of the current Middle East population; hence studying abroad is relatively common in this part of the world. The UAE invests significant resources towards overseas education for its students, as evident from widely reported annual numbers of approximately 15,000 individuals studying abroad.

In KSA, the King Abdullah Scholarship Program (KASP), established by the Saudi Arabian government in 2005, is a pivotal component of the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030 initiative. This national vision seeks to transform Saudi Arabia into a diverse and knowledge-driven economy while fostering social and cultural transformation. By investing in the education of Saudi students across various fields and levels, KASP equips them with the necessary skills and expertise and cultivates a global perspective. As these scholars return home after their studies, they are poised to contribute significantly to the nation's economic diversification, technological advancement, and international collaboration, thereby driving forward the comprehensive aspirations of Saudi Vision 2030.

Moreover, in the MEA region, the sector is projected to be worth $7 billion by 2027, demonstrating the growing significance of technology in education.

How do you see current trends - such as present jobs being replaced with others, many as-yet-unknown - influencing curricula across the Middle East? How should schools and universities incorporate skills-based learning to ensure students can fluidly adapt to tomorrow's challenges?

English proficiency also plays a crucial role in a globalized world, bridging individuals from diverse cultures and facilitating seamless information-sharing worldwide. English is the lingua franca for communication. Today, most English speakers have learned English as a second or additional language - learned through study and testing later in life. This is where English proficiency testing products like ÃÛÌÒapp's are most useful and can be incorporated into schools and universities.

ÃÛÌÒapp surveyed 4,000 employees across the globe for our Skills Outlook 2023, which revealed that people are most interested in careers in tech and business-related fields such as e-commerce, software services, data science, and financial services. However, they believe human skills – like problem-solving, leadership, and teamwork – are the most attractive to employers now and in the future. Additionally, a recent ÃÛÌÒapp on ICT certification shows that 59% of employers in the Middle East have increased their investment in IT skills training within the past 12 months.

This is where the MENA region emphasizes STEM and tech-related fields from the elementary level. For instance, one of the key initiatives of the Ministry of Saudi is to build a world-class education system using STEM and transform Saudi into a knowledge-based economy. Another is the UAE Government Development and the Future Office's "building future talents" initiative to build 10,000 UAE public school female students' skills in STEM fields. The region is upskilling its residents and citizens by incorporating EdTech and gamified learning to keep students engaged in associated subjects.

Anything you'd like to add about education trends in the MENA region?

The focus in the MENA region will be on upscaling its E-Learning and Online Education to promote a 'learn-on-the-go' environment. Within this language learning and bilingual education are a focus to allow students to pursue international opportunities and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education is a focus to equip students with the skills for the modern workforce.

More blogs from ÃÛÌÒapp

  • Children sat at desks in a classroom with their hands all raised smiling

    Back to school: Inclusive strategies to welcome and support students from day one

    By
    Reading time: 3 minutes

    As the new school year begins, teachers have an opportunity to set the tone for inclusion, belonging and respect. With the right strategies and activities, you can ensure every student feels seen, heard and valued from the very first day. Embracing diversity isn’t just morally essential: it’s a proven pathway to deeper learning, greater engagement and a more equitable society (Gay, 2018).

    Research consistently shows that inclusive classrooms foster higher academic achievement, improved social skills and increased self-esteem for all students (Banks, 2015). When students feel safe and respected, they are more likely to take risks, collaborate and reach their full potential.

  • A girl sat at a laptop with headphones on in a library

    5 myths about online language learning

    By
    Reading time: 3 minutes

    Technology has radically changed the way people are able to access information and learn. As a result, there are a great number of tools to facilitate online language learning – an area that’s been the subject of many myths. Here we highlight (and debunk) some of the bigger ones…

    Myth #1: You will learn more quickly

    Although online learning tools are designed to provide ways to teach and support the learner, they won’t provide you with a shortcut to proficiency or bypass any of the key stages of learning.ÌýAlthough you may well be absorbing lots of vocabulary and grammar rules while studying in isolation, this isn’t a replacement for an environment in which you can immerse yourself in the language with English speakers. Such settings help you improve your speaking and listening skills and increase precision, because the key is to find opportunities to practise both – widening your use of the language rather than simply building up your knowledge of it.

    Myth #2: It replaces learning in the classroom

    With big data and AI increasingly providing a more accurate idea of their level, as well as a quantifiable idea of how much they need to learn to advance to the next level of proficiency, classroom learning is vital for supplementing classroom learning. And with the Global Scale of English providing an accurate measurement of progress, students can personalise their learning and decide how they’re going to divide their time between classroom learning and private study.

    Myth #3: It can’t be incorporated into classroom learning

    There are a huge number of ways that students and teachers can use the Internet in the classroom. Meanwhile, ÃÛÌÒapp’s online courses and apps have a positive, measurable impact on your learning outcomes.

    Myth #4:ÌýYou can't learn in the workplace

    Online language learning is ideally suited to the workplace and we must create the need to use the language and opportunities to practise it. A job offers one of the most effective learning environments: where communication is key and you’re frequently exposed to specialized vocabulary. Online language learning tools can flexibly support your busy schedule.

    Myth #5: Online language learning is impersonal and isolating

    A common misconception is that online language learning is a solitary journey, lacking the personal connection and support found in traditional classrooms. In reality, today’s digital platforms are designed to foster community and real interaction. With features like live virtual classrooms, discussion forums and instant feedback, learners can connect with peers and educators around the world, building skills together.

  • Two teenagers sat at a desk in a classroom working together in front of a laptop

    My lifelong learning journey: Why learning English never stops

    By Zarela Cruz
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    My journey with English began in the unlikeliest of places: a mining camp in southern Peru. As a child, I was fascinated by American culture – the movies, the music, the seemingly limitless world that English opened up. For me, the language was a gateway leading to a deeper understanding and feeling of belonging, making me part of their culture.