Zayed University Joins Global Digital Education Council, Pioneering AI Literacy and Innovation in Education
ABU DHABI (WAM) – In a significant leap towards integrating advanced educational methodologies, Zayed University (ZU) has announced its membership in the Digital Education Council (DEC), a distinguished global coalition comprised of over 90 leading educational institutions committed to fostering artificial intelligence (AI) literacy, promoting responsible digital transformation, and driving innovations within the educational landscape. This affiliation marks a pivotal achievement, as ZU emerges as the first university from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to join the DEC, reflecting its strategic vision of empowering students, faculty, and leadership with essential skills for success in an increasingly digitalized world.
The inclusion of Zayed University in the DEC symbolizes a major advancement in the institution’s ongoing efforts to leverage AI technologies throughout its educational framework. By embracing initiatives for faculty development, curricular innovation, and digital pedagogy, ZU is setting the stage for a transformative approach to learning that is in alignment with the future demands of the workforce. According to Professor Michael Allen, the Acting Vice President of Zayed University, “Integrating artificial intelligence across our work is vital to building digital fluency at Zayed University.” He further noted that the university’s participation in the DEC not only allows for the exchange of valuable insights with a global network of education leaders but also emphasizes the necessity of bringing these insights into practical application—whether in classrooms or through tailored programmes that prepare students for future challenges.
Beginning this summer, ZU will introduce two key initiatives as part of its DEC membership. The first is a Certificate in AI for Higher Education, aimed at faculty and administrative leadership, which is designed to enhance their proficiency in employing AI tools and methodologies in educational settings. The second initiative, AI Literacy for Students, targets the student body, equipping them with fundamental knowledge and skills to navigate and succeed in a digital-centric society.
Complementing these initiatives is the launch of a new Bachelor of Science in Intelligent Systems Engineering by ZU’s College of Technological Innovation (CTI) this coming fall. This forward-thinking programme is designed to cultivate a new generation of engineers equipped to design, develop, and manage intelligent systems utilizing AI and other emerging technologies. As industries increasingly adopt sophisticated automation technologies and data-driven solutions, the need for professionals with expertise in intelligent systems has become crucial.
In addition to the undergraduate programme, CTI is also set to unveil two new Master’s degrees in Cybersecurity and Digital Transformation and Innovation. These programmes are tailored to meet the rising national and global demand for individuals with advanced digital skills and specialized knowledge, significantly contributing to the UAE’s strategic vision of becoming a leading knowledge-based economy.
This concerted push towards digital literacy and skill enhancement aligns with the broader aspirations of the UAE, particularly in its quest to remain competitive in the global arena amid rapid technological advancements. The focus on AI and cybersecurity reflects the critical sectors that are expected to drive economic growth in the coming years.
In conclusion, Zayed University’s partnership with the Digital Education Council represents not just a membership, but a significant stride towards elevating the educational standards in the UAE by embedding AI literacy and innovation into its core educational practices. This initiative promises to fortify the university’s position as a leader in advanced educational methodologies while enriching the learning experiences of its students and preparing them for the dynamic demands of the future workforce.
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