Institutional Mobile Enhanced Learning Project

Zayed University is actively engaged in supporting the UAE Vision 2021 through projects and initiatives designed to integrate and establish a culture of vision, innovation and opportunity available to all Emiratis. The Mobile Enhanced Learning Project (MEL) is such an initiative and is considered a University wide initiative. In a comprehensive 3 year project that is well aligned with elements of each of the four pillars of the UAE Vision 2021 as well as ZU’s strategic objectives, we will establish Zayed University as an international leader in Mobile Enhanced Learning as measured against international benchmarks.

Strategic Alignment

The MEL project, designed as a multi-layered and fully integrated project, will support national Key Performance Indicators and UAE Vision 2021 statements through the enhancement of a Vibrant Culture (UAE Vision 2021, 1.1), will enhance our international standing (UAE Vision 2021, 2.3), contribute to and guide a knowledge and evidence-based educational model (UAE Vision 2021, 3.3), and provide students with an unparalleled educational experience that will transcend the borders of our institution (UAE Vision 2021, 4.2). The MEL project is strategically aligned with ZU’s strategic objectives including:

• Establish a cutting-edge educational environment that promotes creativity and innovation.
• Deliver high quality education that focuses on enriching students› knowledge and skills
• Upgrade the University›s academic and research level

The UAE’s mGovernment initiative is fully integrated into the project through infrastructure, service and educational application development.

This project will help to enhance and improve the UAE on the Global Competitiveness Index ‘Innovation and Sophistication’ scale as well other scales such as ‘Higher education’.

History

In late 2011 Zayed University formed a Mobile Device Committee to evaluate the teaching and learning possibilities afforded by mobile technology. As similar activities were occurring a HCT and UAEU a UAE mobile learning committee was formed in the fall of 2012 to allow the three federal higher education institutions to share resources and lessons learned. iPads had been selected as the device of choice for the project, responsibility for implementation of the iPad initiative fell to each institution. The goal was to pilot iPads under the direction of the ZU Mobile Device Committee, in the ABP programs and to determine their effectiveness and how best to use them in the classroom. iPads and iPad applications were purchased by ZU for the students and faculty to facilitate adoption within the program. This initial implementation program was completed in June 2013.

In order to continue the work begun by the Mobile Device Committees, and to take advantage of the momentum of the earlier project, the current Institutional Mobile Enhanced Learning Project was initiated.