Financially disadvantaged students

It is estimated that approximately 10-25% of their student body required financial assistance. A strategy to address this issue has been developed by DWC Student Services in conjunction with DWC Management.

As the curriculum in all divisions of our organization evolves it is evident that technology is a major factor in this evolution. As the industries that employ our graduates become increasingly more reliant and dependent on technology, strategies that put technology in the hands of learners become more essential. This laptop learning initiative is a key component of DWC’s IT Plan.

The DWC  curriculum  was adjusted to prepare for laptop learning. The college adopted a project/problem-based approach. This structure facilitates the development of critical thinking and problem solving skills, which when coupled with interactive learning opportunities available 24 hours a day, to provide a rich learning environment. Learning strategies that go beyond the traditional classroom walls serve to enhance the quality of education.

The Curriculum Task Force is aware of other laptop learning initiatives both in the UAE and abroad. These institutions were contacted as  the need arose to gather information  to ensure the success of this initiative.

Faculty development was critical to a successful laptop learning program. Technology training currently exists and will continue to provide the technological support necessary for teachers. Faculty went through the necessary training and development to assist them in making the transition to laptops. As part of the experiential learning process, faculty were taken through the same initial procedures that students went through. The intent was to develop an appreciation and understanding of the challenges and learning opportunities that the students would face. This was most successful.

The technology training was only one part of faculty development. Faculty were immersed in action research that assisted DWC in finalizing learning plans. A small group of interested faculty  conducted research into world-wide initiatives. Key faculty were identified as the leaders in implementing the laptop learning program. Older faculty support new staff when they come to DWC.

DWC is fortunate to have the technological infrastructure in place to cope with implementing a Laptop Learning program. The Educational Technology department  created two teams focusing on the network setup, the laptop configuration and the service support system.

This laptop learning initiative had considerable implications on  assessment practices at HCT. A project/problem-based approach to curriculum incorporated a holistic view of assessment. It therefore needs to be recognized that DWC students underwent and still are undergoing a very different experience. The introduction of laptops  augmented changes to the curriculum which were reflected in the way students are assessed. Thus DWC had to create new assessment instruments.