Google creates first innovation hub in UAE

Muaz Shabandri/Khaleejtimes  Reporter / 5 February 2015 Ras Al Khaimah - Google is making its presence felt in classrooms with a new education initiative. The company has created its first innovation hub in the UAE — complete with the latest gadgets and gizmos for students to experiment with. From humanoid robots to drones, the tech giant is hoping to nurture interest among children in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (Stem). Students are given a chance to explore gadgets on their own, with an opportunity to learn from specialist educators on site. Experimenting with sensors and magnets, Rashid Saif Khalifa, a student from Al Dhaid School, was overjoyed with his first experience at the innovation hub. “I was always curious about robots and now I will be able to programe a robot in real life,” said the fourth grader. Google, it seems, wants to do everything — from making driverless cars to creating human synthetic skin. Over the next two years, the innovation hub inside Ras Al Khaimah’s Teacher Association building will serve as a place to combine the best of technology with education. The new lab is filled with learning tools which include programmable robots, humanoid robots, radio-controlled model aircraft with simulators, drones, scientific tools like data loggers and probes, 3D printers and scanners, virtual robotics, ICT and math-graphing tools. “Our responsibility as Google is to really give the next generation tools which will help them innovate. We truly believe technology can solve human level problems. Through our diverse set of education efforts, we want to support the next generation of computer scientists and engineers, providing opportunities for all students to engage more directly in technology,” said Mohammed Mourad, Google Mena regional director. Google will also help train over 200 teachers, with 150 hours every year spent on training. This will be a continuous process for a number of years as teachers will be required to upgrade their Stem knowledge and skills regularly. The lab will be overseen by Al Bayt Mitwahid, an association setup by employees of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court, and managed day-to-day by EduTech, a provider of learning services and solutions. The community centre will combine education and technology in one space, offering classes in Robotics, 3D Printing, Aerospace, Electronics, Computer Coding, Programming and Green Energy. A mini-maker space allows students to participate in do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. The hub can hold up to 20 students or teachers per session to keep the class focused and provide the needed level of attention to each student. Saif Al Qubaisi, chairman of Al Bayt Mitwahid association, said: “We wanted to create a space for the youth of Ras Al Khaimah and the Northern Emirates to learn, build and innovate, playing our part in developing the future scientists and innovators of the UAE.” The hub will provide classes three days per week and one hour a day per student. The rest of the week, it will be open to the DIY community. On average, 786 class hours will be offered to 500 students every year. This hub will serve the over 47,000 students and 2,500 teachers in the emirate. The lab will also be open to youth from other emirates. Google Educator Groups — Google’s community of educators in the UAE — will be conducting workshops and exchanging good practice with the hub. The workshops will provide teachers with the basics of using technology for education and may focus on Google tools such as Gmail, Drive, YouTube and more. -muaz@khaleejtimes.com Khaleejtimes.com