Education
From The Report: Sharjah 2023
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Sharjah has emerged as a centre for higher education in the GCC and is home to two universities ranked in the top 500 globally. Federal restructuring has led to the establishment of key entities such as the Federal Authority for Early Childhood Education, indicating a comprehensive approach to education reform.
Noteworthy initiatives include the introduction of Ajyal Schools blending national and US curricula, a four-day school week and a comprehensive training programme to integrate Emirati students into the private sector. Sharjah has also been fostering research and innovation through the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park, attracting global talent and driving innovative. Scholarships, collaborations with private investors and a focus on specialised vocational academies contribute to Sharjah’s goal of building a diversified and high-tech knowledge ecosystem.

This chapter includes an interview with Tod Laursen, Chancellor, American University of Sharjah.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Teach for tomorrow: New initiatives are helping develop advanced curricula to better position students for future job opportunities
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Sharjah is home to a diverse array of educational institutions, professional development centres, and local and international schools that play host to a multicultural student body. Two universities within the emirate ranked in the top-500 institutions in the 2024 QS World University Rankings, with the American University of Sharjah and the University of Sharjah placing 364th and 465th, respectively. Due to continued investment, the emirate is a centre for higher education, research and development…

Analysis

Practical model: A switch to hybrid learning and initiatives that provide students with employment underscore the emirate’s dedication to nurturing a competitive labour force
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The pursuit of higher education is increasingly intertwined with the demands of the workforce, and balancing work commitments with academic endeavours can be challenging for students. Recognising this challenge, in August 2023 the Sharjah government authorised the University of Sharjah to implement a hybrid education model, with the aim of making higher education more accessible to working students. Hybrid education combines traditional in-person classes with online learning, offering students greater…

Interview

Outcome oriented: Tod Laursen, Chancellor, American University of Sharjah, on how higher education can prepare students to succeed in the rapidly evolving modern workforce
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Interview:Tod Laursen, Chancellor, American University of Sharjah In what ways are educational institutions adapting to align with changing workforce needs? TOD LAURSEN: Educational institutions should not just respond to evolving workforce demands; it is also important to anticipate them. This includes an expansion in fields ranging from areas like artificial intelligence and biotechnology to psychology and performing arts. The goal is to provide a multi-faceted education that equips students…

Analysis

The metaverse in education: Building a digital landscape in institutes of higher learning
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In a bid to expand access, education is increasingly exploring the possibilities of the metaverse and extended-reality (XR) approaches. The former comprises a range of technologies that immerse users in a virtual environment. It denotes a 3D medium that combines virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) into a new digital realm, sometimes known as XR. These environments are accessed through VR headsets and are typically immersive, interactive and social. Expanding Access The world’s leading…