The 21st century is a time of unprecedented technological and information revolution, bringing about dramatic changes in various fields of knowledge and human experience, affecting every aspect of life and ushering in a new era of global connectivity and cultural exchange.
At the heart of this transformation is digital technology, one of the most important achievements of technological advancement. Initially, its use was limited to being a tool for social interaction; a luxury item that did not impact our daily lives. However, over time, digital technology has evolved to impact every aspect of our lives. It has gone beyond just a means of communication to play a vital role in healthcare, increasing productivity, improving quality of life, enhancing security and safety measures, acquiring job skills, and much more.
In recent years, many educational institutions, from schools and colleges to universities, have incorporated digital platforms into their teaching methods. Students have embraced these platforms as valuable educational tools, and blended learning has emerged, combining traditional classroom learning with online education. This raises questions about the role of technology in the education process and its impact on students.
Al Jawhara Har Thani, Welfare and Safeguarding Director, Pre-University Education, Qatar Foundation (QF), said: “Technology is an important part of our lives and mobile phones are now seen as a powerful educational tool. However, it can be difficult for children to use technology consciously and responsibly, and this challenge extends to many adults as well.”
“I believe the key is to ensure that students’ environments remain stimulating by providing engaging classrooms that reflect their realities.”
This view is supported by Fatima Al Mutawa, research and grants specialist at QF member Doha International Family Institute (DIFI). Reflecting on a study conducted by DIFI, she said: “The research shows that effectively incorporating technology in the classroom creates valuable educational experiences, improves student achievement, and promotes higher order thinking and collaborative problem-solving.”
“For example, students who use the Internet for academic purposes generally achieve higher grades than those who use it primarily for entertainment.”
However, technology comes with its own challenges: as digital tools and platforms are increasingly integrated into education curricula, concerns are emerging about the misuse of technology for non-educational purposes.
“There has been a significant increase in cyberbullying among students, increasing stress and anxiety and negatively impacting concentration, motivation and academic performance,” Al Mutawa said. “Many parents have reported that their children are facing negative interactions online, highlighting this as a major concern.”
“Another disturbing trend is the rise in cyber-blackmail cases, where students are threatened with releasing personal information and photos if they do not comply with certain demands. We urge the community to report these incidents.”
Al Mutawa explained that cyberbullying and blackmail cause serious emotional and psychological crises, affecting students’ well-being and academic performance. She believes it is essential for parents and educators to establish clear policies and support systems to address these issues and ensure a safe online environment for all students.
Al Thani added: “Managing distractions is not just a matter for students – the teaching environment also plays a key role. It should be engaging and keep students motivated without having to look elsewhere.”
“It is essential that students are given enough time to interact with their peers and have the freedom to create their own schedules. It is also important that they relate to everyday life outside the classroom. The lessons they learn in school must be relevant and applicable to real-world experiences.”
For more information about the survey conducted by the Doha International Family Institute, please visit: https://difi.org.qa/press_release/difi-addresses-digital-changes-and-their-impact-on-families-in-a-changing-world/
The 30th anniversary of the International Year of the Family Conference on Families and Contemporary Megatrends, organized by DIFI, will take place on 30-31 October 2024 at the Qatar National Convention Centre. The conference will bring together experts, policymakers and thought leaders from around the world to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing modern families and societies. For more information about the conference and its sessions, and to register, please visit www.difi.org.qa/iyf30/.
Education City – Beyond Education City x Qatar Foundation
QF Education City is an engaging destination offering a wide range of activities and experiences to the Qatari community and visitors. From sport, culture, arts and heritage to architecture, eco-friendly outdoor spaces and accessible events, Education City is much more than education.
For information on upcoming events and occasions, and how to get to Education City, visit https://www.qf.org.qa/education/education-city. You can also book classes, events and activities in the Education City app, available for download from Apple or Google Play.
Qatar Foundation – Unleashing Human Potential
Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) is a non-profit organization that supports Qatar’s journey towards a diversified and sustainable economy. QF strives to serve the people of Qatar and beyond by providing specialized programs across an innovation-focused ecosystem of education, research and development and community development.
QF was founded in 1995 by its fathers, the Amirs Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, who shared a vision of providing quality education to Qatar. Today, QF’s world-class education system provides lifelong learning opportunities for members of its community, from infants as young as six months old to doctoral level, enabling graduates to thrive in a global environment and contribute to the country’s development.
QF has also established a multidisciplinary innovation hub in Qatar where local researchers are tackling regional and global challenges. By fostering a culture of lifelong learning and promoting social inclusion through programs that embody Qatari culture, QF is committed to empowering communities and contributing to a better world for all.
For a complete list of QF initiatives and projects, visit www.qf.org.qa
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Diffie
The Doha International Family Institute (DIFI), a member of the Qatar Educational, Scientific and Community Development Foundation (QF), is a global policy and advocacy organization working to advance knowledge about Arab families and promote evidence-based programs at the national, regional and international levels.
DIFI was established in 2006 based on the 2004 Doha Declaration, which recognises the family as the natural and fundamental unit of society and expresses the commitment of the international community to strengthen families. DIFI encourages governments, international organisations and members of civil society to take steps to strengthen and support families, to achieve its vision and ultimate goal of effectively empowering families.
As a member of QF, DIFI makes an essential contribution to QF’s efforts to build a cohesive, close-knit, family-based, healthy and well-educated society in the State of Qatar and throughout the region.
Additionally, DIFI has special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
