Doha: Vodafone has joined a Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q) classroom study to explore the potential for mobile education tools in Qatar.
Eight NU-Q students are researching the market for mobile tools in higher education and how the tools are used in the learning process. The study, in collaboration with Vodafone, is part of a 14-week course designed by NU-Q Lecturer Giovanni Bandi.
Dalya Al Khalaf, Director of Strategy and Planning, Vodafone, said: “As part of our commitment to improve education through technology, the company is participating in the study to identify the best digital tools to improve the learning process and students’ engagement with their universities.
“We hope to learn which student needs can be satisfied with mobile technologies and will use results to drive future Vodafone Qatar investments in mobile-based education solutions.”
Everette E Dennis, Dean and CEO, NU-Q, said: “Collaborations between academy and industry make a valuable contribution to students’ education. By drawing on knowledge gained in the classroom, students learn to produce creative solutions to real-world problems in the evolving media field.”
Vodafone’s senior management will provide an important resource for students as they analyse the current supply of digital tools locally and internationally.
During the first session, Simone Eliantonio, Head of Strategic Projects and Innovation, shared a research the company conducted on mEducation in the past few months. “Education is a social environment where students interact and collaborate with each other and with professors. This social interaction, more than anything else, can benefit from digital and mobile tools,” he said.
Students will conduct a statistically valid survey of university students and the company’s consumer specialists will assist them to prepare appropriate questions. Survey data will define market demand in terms of current use, trends and expectations.
Ending in April, the research will be a valuable resource for the company to develop tailor-made digital-based education solutions to meet the specific needs of the market and help introduce innovative methods of learning to university students.
The Peninsula
