The Centre for Educational Technology has hosted the 25th meeting of the Committee of E-Learning Officials at universities and higher education institutions in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. The meeting was held under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Dr. Fahd bin Al Julanda bin Majid Al Said, the Vice-Chancellor, at the Kempinski Hotel.
The meeting brings together representatives from 32 universities and higher education institutions across the GCC. It aims to strengthen cooperation and coordination among higher education institutions in the field of e-learning, and to exchange expertise, practices and experiences in developing e-learning and digital learning systems. It also addresses relevant joint initiatives and topics, follows up on the recommendations of previous meetings, and sets the committee’s future directions and activities.
In his address, Salim bin Jabir Al-Waili, Director of the Centre for Educational Technology, said the meeting reaffirms the importance of strengthening frameworks for cooperation and joint coordination among higher education institutions across the GCC, while enhancing the exchange of expertise, experiences and practices in e-learning.
He noted that such cooperation contributes to keeping pace with rapid developments in technology and digital transformation, and supports efforts to build a more integrated and innovative educational system that responds to present needs while anticipating future developments.
He added that the knowledge landscape is undergoing rapid and unprecedented change. E-learning is no longer simply a means of delivering educational content; rather, it has become an integrated system incorporating digital technologies, data analytics, artificial intelligence and adaptive learning. These developments are opening new possibilities for more flexible and personalised education that responds to the needs of individual students.
One of the most significant changes taking place today, he noted, is the gradual shift from a standardised education model towards one that places greater emphasis on individualised student learning. Modern technologies and AI can help identify learners’ needs, strengths and learning gaps, and provide learning pathways, content and educational experiences suited to their abilities, needs and pace of learning, while maintaining the central role of people and teachers in the educational process.
In light of these developments, he stressed that the responsibility of higher education institutions extends beyond keeping pace with technological advancement. It requires a clear institutional vision and proactive plans that anticipate the future, establish priorities, and develop human and technological capabilities. It also requires clear governance of e-learning and the use of AI to ensure the quality of outcomes, data security, student privacy, academic integrity and the responsible use of emerging technologies.
The meeting also covered several areas, including following up on the recommendations and decisions of the previous meeting; reviewing developments and e-learning initiatives at participating universities and institutions; and exchanging experiences through presentations on e-learning initiatives and the use of emerging technologies in education and learning. Discussions also addressed items on the agenda and proposals submitted by committee members, opportunities for cooperation and joint projects and initiatives, as well as recommendations and implementation steps for the next phase.