This was done with the intention of moving away from the classroom-based, teacher-centred environment that the majority of students had been accustomed to, with one that focused more on the individual student and modern teaching methodologies.
Upon my arrival in 2001 the ILC was home to 40 Olivetti desk-top computers with Internet access. As well as myself (ILC Co-coordinator), there was an IT technician, and an Admin employed to run the centre and a wide range of paper-based materials organised by skill and level was also available. At the time this was only one of two IT environments at ADMC where computers were available for student use. Consequently, compulsory curriculum components such as the Basic Learning and Information Skills Course (BLIS 1100), a purely computer-based course, could only be completed in the ILC. Here, students typically spent at least an hour a week, and was well-utilised by the first-year diploma students.
Under the vision of His Excellency, Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister for Higher Education and Scientific Research, ‘The HCT stays abreast of new developments in technologies and learning systems so as to give our students the skills and attributes they need to succeed in a global work environment’
By 2011 ILC facilities included 65 'open access' wireless laptops, 10 Apple iMacs and three interactive electronic whiteboards and projectors. Laptops are managed by lab management software which connects the teacher's laptop with every other laptop in the centre and offers a variety of features such as monitoring students’ activities and providing guidance and support throughout the lesson. All laptops display a virtual desktop, providing users with a 'one click' entry point to over 140 programs and websites. Examples of the software available include Tense Buster, Study Skills Success, Mind Game, Business Writing, United Streaming, and Self Access.com. The modular furniture has adjustable privacy screens and the ergonomic chairs can be adjusted in all directions. All laptops have high quality headphones and microphones for listening and speaking activities.
The open-plan wireless ILC has proven to be a very flexible learning environment where students have benefitted from the collaborative, student-centric atmosphere engendered by the technology.
Upon my arrival in 2001 the ILC was home to 40 Olivetti desk-top computers with Internet access. As well as myself (ILC Co-coordinator), there was an IT technician, and an Admin employed to run the centre and a wide range of paper-based materials organised by skill and level was also available. At the time this was only one of two IT environments at ADMC where computers were available for student use. Consequently, compulsory curriculum components such as the Basic Learning and Information Skills Course (BLIS 1100), a purely computer-based course, could only be completed in the ILC. Here, students typically spent at least an hour a week, and was well-utilised by the first-year diploma students.
Under the vision of His Excellency, Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister for Higher Education and Scientific Research, ‘The HCT stays abreast of new developments in technologies and learning systems so as to give our students the skills and attributes they need to succeed in a global work environment’
By 2011 ILC facilities included 65 'open access' wireless laptops, 10 Apple iMacs and three interactive electronic whiteboards and projectors. Laptops are managed by lab management software which connects the teacher's laptop with every other laptop in the centre and offers a variety of features such as monitoring students’ activities and providing guidance and support throughout the lesson. All laptops display a virtual desktop, providing users with a 'one click' entry point to over 140 programs and websites. Examples of the software available include Tense Buster, Study Skills Success, Mind Game, Business Writing, United Streaming, and Self Access.com. The modular furniture has adjustable privacy screens and the ergonomic chairs can be adjusted in all directions. All laptops have high quality headphones and microphones for listening and speaking activities.
The open-plan wireless ILC has proven to be a very flexible learning environment where students have benefitted from the collaborative, student-centric atmosphere engendered by the technology.