Scientific Perspectives for the future of Inclusive Education in Arab Countries
Qatar University (QU) will host The First Arab Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Conference: Scientific Perspectives for the future of Inclusive Education in Arab Countries. The four-day longconference will kick off on 14th November and will end on 17 November 2021.
The conference will discuss the scientific foundations of neuroscience-based and brain-based learning, architectural accessibility, digital accessibility, assistive technology and practical applications of UDL that support inclusive education for all students, including students with disabilities.
Universities participating from Arab countries include; American University of Beirut; Saint Joseph University; University of Baghdad; Hashemite University; University of Tunis; University of Kuwait; Hebron University; Helwan University; Yarmouk University; Sultan Qaboos University); Kasdi Merbah University; University College of Applied Sciences; University of Manouba; University of Algiers and Doha Institute for Graduate Studies.
The main objective of UDL is to remove the physical, digital, and didactic barriers that hinder the learning process and to enable all students with different abilities to reach the stage of “Expert Learners”. The conference will be held virtually, giving those interested throughout the Arab world the opportunity to explore the latest educational practices and scientific applications of UDL.
The conference aims to shed light on Arab experiences and exchanging experiences between Arab universities in the field of integrating students with disabilities within the framework of the comprehensive design for learning; Raising awareness of the principles of universal design for learning as a scientific framework aimed at improving education in the Arab world; Raising awareness in the field of architectural accessibility, digital access and assistive technology; Raising awareness in the field of brain-based learning; Encouraging scientific research in the field of inclusive design for learning and Providing practical solutions to advance UDL programs in the Arab world
The conference includes; Interactive lecture (60 minutes); Interactive seminar (90 minutes) (moderator, 2-3 minutes); Interactive Workshop (90 minutes); Participation in the virtual exhibition and attending the workshops.
Khaled Mohamed, Advisor at Vice President for Academic Affairs Office QU, said “Qatar University, in its support of students with disabilities, has adopted a comprehensive design framework for learning, which aims to transform the educational environment into a supportive environment for all students without discrimination, since 2014. Hence, Qatar University focused on implementing its various projects in digital accessibility, assistive technology, and spreading awareness about brain-based teaching methods. And our belief from the university in the importance of spreading the experience and its integration with its Arab environment.”
Dr. Khaled Khader explained that the term universal design came from the field of architecture, where it aimed to create physical environments and tools used by the largest possible number of people, then this framework moved to education to aim at educating all students regardless of their visible and invisible disabilities and their academic levels, in order to achieve benefit Maximum potential of all students without exception. Universal design and universal design for learning have become a major part of international laws and regulations in most developed countries. The conference will constitute an opportunity for the convergence and integration of theses between scientific disciplines including educational sciences, psychological and disability studies, architecture, computer science, and neuroscience to establish smart physical, technological and educational environments in our Arab universities.
In conclusion, he invited all workers in educational institutions, both public and private, to register for this conference and to benefit from the latest studies that will be presented in the field of contemporary education.
Wedad Rebeeh, Director of Academic Advising Center at Academic Advising Center QU stressed the importance of exchanging experiences between Arab universities in supporting the success of all students in higher education without discrimination.
She added that the conference will constitute a scientific platform for educators and interested people from the Arab world to exchange experiences and skills and discuss the latest studies in various fields that serve the student as the focus of the educational process. As is well known, the comprehensive development process of the Academic Counseling Center at Qatar University aims to develop all aspects of knowledge, skills and emotionality in students, and it is an approach that is consistent with the principles of comprehensive design for learning. The advantage of this conference is to present a comprehensive picture of the educational process that combines various scientific, social, psychological and educational fields. It is not possible to talk about education in our contemporary world without highlighting the role of architecture in building a welcoming and accessible environment for learning, and the role of technological engineering in developing learning technology, and assistive technology that supports educational sciences.
The conference is open for; Administrative and educational leaders in public and higher education institutions; faculty members in universities; Teachers in general and special education; Researchers and those interested in the conference topic; Postgraduate students and Assistive technology and digital access institutions.
Source: Qatar University