المملكة: On its International Day, specialists reveal to Al-Youm the importance of digital learning in achieving equal opportunities.

She indicated that this trend is of great importance at the University of Jeddah through the Education System Program, which is one of the strategic programs that aims to develop the educational process and integrate modern technologies into university education. The university’s e-learning department also works to provide advanced platforms and make diverse learning sources available through partnerships with global digital platforms such as Huawei and Microsoft to open broader horizons for self-learning and the acquisition of qualitative digital skills.

Al Dhaheri pointed out that the challenges facing education in virtual environments, such as limited interaction or distraction, require designing more interactive educational experiences and continuously qualifying faculty members. Therefore, the education system’s program focuses on training academic staff on e-learning skills.

In addition to employing technologies effectively and with the development of artificial intelligence technologies, education patterns will move towards more flexible customization, with the necessity of fully maintaining the development of students’ critical and creative thinking skills to ensure educational outcomes that keep pace with the aspirations of the digital future and meet the needs of the labor market.

Radical shifts in concepts

Dr. Abdullah Al-Daraani, Associate Professor of Artificial Intelligence and its Applications, explained that the International Day of Digital Learning, which falls on March 19, represents a pivotal occasion to emphasize the growing role of technology in developing the educational process.

He added: It contributed to bringing about a clear shift in the concept of education, which is no longer tied to a specific place or time, but rather has become available through digital platforms, virtual classrooms, and open sources, allowing students in different regions to access diverse content. And high quality.

This transformation also contributed to reducing the educational gap and enhancing the principle of equal opportunities, especially for those facing geographical or social challenges that prevent them from obtaining traditional education. Digital learning also provides greater flexibility that allows students to advance according to their individual abilities and speeds, taking into account individual differences and enhancing the chances of success and academic achievement.

He stated: Despite these advantages, challenges emerge such as weak direct interaction or disparity in digital infrastructure, which necessitates investment in developing the technical environment and training teachers and students on effective use. For digital tools, in addition to designing interactive content that increases the quality of the educational process.

Al-Daraani also stressed the role of the family in directing children towards the safe use of technology, organizing their time, educating them about the dangers of the Internet, and protecting personal data to enhance the culture of responsible use. With the rapid progress in artificial intelligence, it is expected to provide more personalized learning experiences that help teachers follow up on students while ensuring that the role of the teacher remains pivotal for developing thinking, research and analysis skills. Digital learning helps bridge the educational gap and achieve the principle of equal opportunities by making knowledge available to everyone without spatial or time restrictions and giving learners equal opportunities to access interactive content.

She indicated that empowering women in the Kingdom and supporting wise leadership contributed to expanding the participation of female competencies in the digital knowledge industry and building a sustainable technical future. Regarding the challenges, she stressed that weak interaction, varying quality of content, and the need to raise the efficiency of teachers digitally are among the most prominent obstacles that can be addressed by developing an innovative educational design and qualifying human cadres. Effectively.

She also pointed out the importance of the family’s role in protecting children from distraction and cyber risks by regulating usage times and promoting digital awareness and self-responsibility.

Al-Hamzani explained that artificial intelligence will play a major role in customizing learning paths, understanding students’ needs, and providing effective educational experiences while maintaining the development of analytical thinking and mental skills.

In an awareness message, she stressed that technology is a tool of knowledge and empowerment and not just a means of strict entertainment. There is a need to establish a culture of digital awareness among new generations and teach them the responsible use of technologies and invest in learning and innovation while preserving authentic national values and identity. The future will be built with science, digital knowledge, and awareness is the true guarantor of creating a generation capable of employing technology to build a more advanced, prosperous, and sustainable nation.