Abu Dhabi Hosts Second TRENDS International Education Conference, Focusing on Innovative Policies for the Digital Age. Titled "Education and Identity in the Digital Age," the conference in Abu Dhabi brought together educators, policymakers, and researchers to address the pressing need for inventive educational policies. The event aimed to explore strategies for preserving national identity amid the challenges posed by the digital revolution.
Emphasizing education as the bedrock of national identity, the conference advocated for a robust educational framework aligning with societal values and traditions. Fahad Al Mahri, Head of Trends Dubai Office, emphasized the necessity of modernizing educational systems to not only prepare students for the knowledge economy but also instil a profound sense of national belonging.
The conference delved into the digital transformation of education, focusing on leveraging technology to enrich learning experiences. Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, Bahrain's Minister of Education, highlighted the crucial role of parents in this digital educational landscape. "TRENDS AR," an innovative artificial intelligence project by TRENDS Research and Advisory, was launched to revolutionize educational content access through augmented reality.
Discussions at the conference covered various dimensions of education and identity, including threats to national identity from cultural and intellectual influences. Panelists emphasized the importance of a strong national culture to counter these challenges. The role of artificial intelligence and digital identity in shaping education was explored, emphasizing the need for national strategies in AI education and training.
The conference showcased technology's potential to reinforce national identity through e-learning platforms integrating cultural and historical content. As the event concluded, discussions and recommendations pointed toward a future where education not only imparts knowledge but also plays a crucial role in preserving national identity and values. The goal is to foster a generation academically proficient and deeply connected to its cultural roots, ready to navigate the complexities of the digital age.