UAE pupils encouraged to enhance learning with 3D specs

Pupils in the UAE could soon be soaking up flying algebra equations or feeling like they’re dodging bullets on a World War II battlefield. 3D glasses, plus educational videos and applications are set to hit the Emirates next month, which will give schools the option of holding lessons in 3D. The firm behind the idea believes taking learning to the next dimension will make it easier for youngsters to get their heads around difficult topics. 3D glasses, plus educational videos and applications are set to hit the Emirates next month. The move by NEC Display Solutions Europe comes after education experts told the Transforming Education Summit in Abu Dhabi earlier this month that teachers must get tech-savvy to improve education and engage their students. “This innovation helps to reach out to pupils who are slow in grasping certain concepts and helps to simplify topics that appear difficult to some students,” said the firm’s Ulf Greiner. “3D is a reality in our children’s lives and using it in the educational space brings engagement and achievement among pupils and staff.” Schools will be able to try out demo videos on a range of subjects. The company says that some of the modules help children to examine the human heart and plant cells more easily. Barbara Lee, curriculum Coordinator at the Al Mizhar American Academy welcomed the new teaching methods. She told 7DAYS: “It is definitely a major step in improving children’s overall learning experiences allowing them to grasp every detail of a subject. “Research has shown that use of technology in classrooms helps to stimulate children’s brains and allows them to learn faster due to its great illustrative abilities.” She said her school is already introducing iPads as learning tools and soon students will be encouraged to take their own devices to school but will have their usage monitored through the school network. However, Swarup Anand, an educational consultant, disagrees. Anand believes that from an early age children should exercise their brains without the use of electronic gadgets. “There is a risk of children having to eternally depend on gadgets for solutions. Their ability to handwrite and utilise their brains fully is undermined,” said Anand, executive director of UMCAS-UAE.