Aussie company to help put 3D Tech into over 200 United Arab Emirates Primary Schools

The United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Education (MoE) has announced a country-wide rollout of 3D technology into over 200 primary schools to begin in early 2019 and Australian company Makers Empire will be key.

Dubai-based education consultancy company, Ibtikar, will partner with Makers Empire to deliver a program implementing 3D design and printing across the Emirates to over 200 grade seven classes in 2019.

To achieve the country-wide rollout, Makers Empire will provide curriculum, 3D software (Makers Empire 3D), teacher resources, training and support to Ibtikar so the company can train MoE teachers to successfully deliver the new program. This transfer of knowledge and skills in Design Thinking and Maker pedagogy is integral to the program’s success and the MoE teachers’ professional development.

The new rollout of 3D printing technology in primary schools reflects the MoE’s belief that teaching Design Thinking, STEM and 21st century skills using 3D printing to younger children, will help create a more innovative, adaptable and resilient future workforce.

Moreover, the students that learn Design Thinking and 3D printing will be well placed to move onto more complicated CAD (Computer Aided Design) programs in their high school years.

HE Eng. AbdulRahman of the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Education, commented, “Through this rollout of 3D technology, our students will learn to reframe needs as actionable statements and to create solutions to real-world problems. In doing so, our students will develop an important growth mindset, the skills they need to make their world better and the essential ability to persist when encountering setbacks.”

Ibtikar Managing Director added, “As a leading provider of innovative, education technology, Ibtikar is proud to partner with Makers Empire to provide a new and dynamic education experience for students in the UAE."

Jon Soong, CEO of Makers Empire, said, “We are proud to partner with the UAE Ministry of Education and Ibtikar to deliver this genuinely transformative rollout of 3D technology across the UAE."