Varsities to have tech modules for the future
Universities throughout the UAE are introducing a range of new courses to future proof today’s students for tomorrow’s job market. However, having a mindset that can adapt to that change is fast becoming one of the most valuable skill-sets they can offer too.
Alison Arnold, a representative of the Amity University Dubai, told Khaleej Times that one of their big focuses alongside course introduction this year, is student counselling. “We have a dedicated team on-site, working hand-in-hand with students to address their concerns about the future. Whether it is about what tools they can use to cope with change or what career they choose to suit the needs of the future, this team offers a life skills element that is important for all university students.”
Although Arnold admitted that everything “does need to be future proofed” with regards to technology focused course introductions, she said universities have to provide the right balance of “practical skills and life skills” to students.
“Students need to be prepared for change. It’s about adaptability and that’s what we try and get our students to understand. We equip them with the knowledge related to their specific course, but also we encourage them to think about what the future will look like; what challenges they will face.”
With a focus on innovation, Arnold said the university’s incubation centre acts as a knowledgesharing platform for students interested in business. Many of the students have pitched business ideas and start-ups through the hub and it acts as a centre to equip them with the basic skills to start their own venture.
Tech is on the agenda
A Dubai campus that is putting all its focus on technology-driven learning is SP Jain School of Global Management.
Noting itself as the ‘business school of the future’, Dr Kirti Khanzode, deputy director of undergraduate programmes, told Khaleej Times that it is trying to adapt all its education programmes to bring in technology.
“Traditional business courses aren’t often linked with technology, but in the future, even now, technology will go hand-in-hand with businesses.”
With a dedicated neuroscience laboratory in its Dubai campus, Khanzode said students use the facility to monitor consumer behaviour such as purchase decisions, using technology. This
We equip them with the knowledge related to their specific course, but also we encourage them to think about what the future will look like; what challenges they will face.” Alison Arnold, representative, Amity University Dubai
We are trying to adapt all education programmes to bring in technology. Traditional business courses aren’t often linked with technology, but in the future, even now, technology will go hand-in-hand with businesses.” Dr Kirti Khanzode, deputy director, SP Jain School of Global Management
technology picks up things like visual cues.
Additionally, it is teaching students how AI can be used to run certain elements of a business in the future. Introducing nine new programmes to its upcoming academic year, Middlesex University is one of few universities here that will be offering a dedicated MSc in Robotics.
“We are committed to providing the best opportunities for our students to be ready for future career success. With the addition of the new courses, we aim to provide more options for our students to choose from in subject areas that we know graduates are in demand from industry leaders,” said Dr Cedwyn Fernandes, director of Middlesex University Dubai.
kelly@khaleejtimes.com