Abu Dhabi Teachers Revolutionize Education with AI
Abu Dhabi teachers use artificial intelligence to teach more effectively, revolutionizing education in the UAE
Education worldwide faces significant challenges: how can a balance be maintained between teaching and administration so that teachers have more time for students? Abu Dhabi's latest initiative provides an answer to this. Launched by Adek (Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge), the "AI for Teachers" program aims to refocus teachers on what they do best - connecting with students - using artificial intelligence (AI).
Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom
More than a hundred teachers have participated in the program, which began in February, where they not only learned about AI applications in education but also how to reduce the time spent on administration. With AI, lesson plans, quizzes, or student performance assessments can be easily created with just a few clicks. Algorithms can generate report templates and evaluation sheets, which teachers can then customize.
After the program, teachers not only apply what they have learned in their own lessons but also share their knowledge with colleagues. This knowledge-sharing accelerates the spread of innovation in schools, encouraging more teachers to be open to new technologies.
AI Doesn’t Replace Teachers - It Supports Them
One of the program's most important messages is that the teacher's role remains crucial. Even the most advanced systems cannot replace the motivated, inspiring teachers who encourage students to think and explore. AI does not take away jobs but makes them more effective: it helps in material preparation and the automation of repetitive tasks, allowing teachers more time to focus on students' individual development.
For example, if someone is teaching quadratic equations, an AI tool can generate humorous, topic-related jokes in seconds to enliven a lesson. Similarly, AI-based tools can easily create children’s songs for elementary school students, perhaps centered around a national symbol, complete with lyrics, music, and even video.
Three-tier Training Structure
Adek has developed a three-phase training system for teachers. The first step is a survey that assesses prior knowledge of AI and gathers teaching materials. This is followed by a two-day, in-person boot camp where different AI tools are introduced for various teaching phases. The final phase is a two-week "capstone" period when teachers return to schools and apply what they have learned in small groups, sharing experiences with each other.
During the training, diversity is given special attention: each group includes teachers teaching different subjects with varying ages and experiences. This interdisciplinary approach fosters creative thinking and the tackling of issues from multiple perspectives.
Knowledge Spreads Organically
Based on experience, participating teachers not only use AI in their practices but also voluntarily and enthusiastically share what they have learned with their colleagues. This "horizontal dissemination" is one of the program's most valuable side effects, as it builds digital competencies among teaching communities naturally, from within.
The Future Arrives in Arabic Too
Currently, the program language is English, but an Arabic version is already in preparation, which will be especially useful for teachers who teach in Arabic. With this, Adek aims for all teachers—regardless of language or subject—to access modern technological tools.
Summary
The "AI for Teachers" program is an excellent example of how to modernize education in a human-centered manner. Artificial intelligence does not take away teachers' jobs but supports them to teach more effectively and creatively. With this initiative, Abu Dhabi not only eases the teachers' workload but also enriches and personalizes the students' learning experience and takes the country one step closer to its goal of becoming a global center of AI.
(The article source is the official release from the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek).)
