Technology
Technology is a fundamental element of education today and it is used to support both teaching and learning. At Dubai Heights Academy we believe that balance is key when it comes to traditional learning methods and technology.
The interlinked relationship of technology and education allows for almost limitless opportunities in using digital learning technologies in the classroom to not only augment but also transform learning.
When implemented appropriately the use of digital learning technologies:
- enhances the learning experience
- enables personalised learning
- simplifies wider access to educational resources
- prepares students for future careers and lifelong learning
- promotes collaboration and creativity
- allows flexibility in learning schedules and study environments
- supports in the monitoring and tracking of student development
Dubai Heights Academy recognises that technology is a key element of education and is committed to helping students become lifelong learners who are innovative and confident users of technology. We have integrated the use of technology into our teaching and learning and this has helped us to improve levels of attainment and engagement across all subject areas and was recognised as a strength of the school in our recent KHDA inspection. Classrooms are equipped with large touchscreen displays which further develop classroom collaboration and interactivity and this year we have transitioned to a Chromebook BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) programme for students from Year 3 upwards, further supporting and leveraging our use of online platforms such as Seesaw and Google Workplace for Education. To make the process of ordering a new Chromebook easier, DHA has partnered with JTRS, a company that specialises in education technology, so parents can follow a simple procedure to order and and purchase a Chromebook online.
In addition, students in FS1 to Year 2 have the option to bring their own tablet, as well as use school devices. Our school iPads are used for a variety of activities across the curriculum from analysing performances in PE lessons to using language and maths apps, STEAM activities, building e-portfolios to multimedia usage such as making videos utilising green screens.
We recognise that staff competence and confidence is an essential element to successful technology integration and ‘edutech’ training is central to our evolving digital strategy. As a highly inclusive school we are also developing the use of assistive technology to enhance the student learning experience for all our students.
With the continuing advances in technology students need to be future ready and at Dubai Heights Academy we are preparing students for jobs that don’t exist, using technologies that haven’t been invented to solve problems we don’t even know are problems yet. Our partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) enables us to bridge this ‘future gap’ through the development of a bespoke AI project-based programme to our Key Stage 3 students. More details about this programme can be found
here.
