Dr Megan Adams interacts with students at VISS.

Imran Mojib, Special Correspondent

SHARJAH: The Victoria International School of Sharjah (VISS) and Monash University, one of Australia’s leading universities, have extended their strategic partnership for a study on the value of using digital technology in the classroom and addressing the gender gap in the IT sector.

VISS, a premium school offering the Australian curriculum and IB diploma, welcomed leading academic Dr Megan Adams from Monash University to the school as part of an international pilot study evaluating the challenges and benefits of students and teachers using digital technology in the classroom from K to year 12.

“Leading schools like VISS have a valuable role to play in educating students of today with the skillset and tools they need for tomorrow’s world. As part of an ongoing partnership with VISS and Monash University we are conducting cutting edge research that will inform best practice frameworks and in the long run enhance students’ learning and development,” said Dr Megan Adams, a lecturer in the Faculty of Education at Melbourne’s Monash University.

Dean Pyrah, Executive Principal of VISS commented, “Strengthening our collaboration with Monash University supports our commitment to sharing best practices with one of the top universities in Australia, ensuring we continually innovate and provide the ultimate learning environment for our students and teachers. As a world-class provider of the very best in Australian and international education we are proud to be continuing our strategic partnership.”

The extensive study will also look at the gender gap in IT, in particular the opportunity for sustaining girls’ participation in technology subjects from the early years.

“This research aims to contribute ways of closing the gender gap in IT by raising awareness, supporting role models and providing opportunities to engage with technology in supportive environments that will help to reduce the gender gap both in Sharjah and Australia,” Dr Adams continued.

Digital technology is an integral part of the curriculum and teaching methods at VISS, the school has a dedicated ‘Innovation Centre’ encouraging students to participate in programs such as robotics, computer programing, gaming, and coding throughout their academic years.

Dr Adams’ research and key findings are expected to be published this year.