A conference on "Excellence in e-learning in the Middle East" organized by e-TQM College in January 2008 highlighted the institution’s experience in innovative e-learning and provided glimpses into the basic approach adopted, its mission and goals.

The conference was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, in partnership with Microsoft and Visionaire. The event was sponsored by Dubai eGovernment and leading international e-learning providers. The participants included senior representatives and decision-makers from the Government sector and the field of education, as well as leading technology and industry experts and researchers.

Renowned experts discussed over 30 research papers and presentations on various aspects of excellence in e- learning. The conference saw a lively debate between the participants and keynote speakers on the topic "Is there excellence in e-learning?"

A series of workshops was organized on several crucial issues, including quality elements and management of e-learning, latest technologies in the field, virtual teachers and education staff qualification.

An exhaustive exhibition on the latest technological innovations in the field of e-learning attracted several leading international e-learning providers and enabled visitors to get new insights in new developments worldwide.

The conference was timed to celebrate the launch of three new scientific initiatives by e-TQM College. The first initiative revolved round the  establishment of the Centre of Excellence in e-Learning, aimed at spreading the culture of e-learning in the Arab world and the Middle East in general. The second initiative focuses on creating an e-learning network to serve as a springboard for developing an e-learning community. The third project was the launch of scientific periodical with an international coding, focusing on excellence in e-learning and exchange of best practices and experiences, and  publishing of important studies and field research in the field.

A New Approach to Learning
Explaining the objective of the conference, the first of its kind in the Arab world, Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Vice President, e-TQM College, said it was a perfect platform to showcase successful practices in e-learning and enabling educational institutions to explore new technologies and share their experiences.

“e-TQM College has gained a strong global reputation, being the first accredited e-learning academic institution in the Arab world. The college has research and development offices in Europe, America and Singapore. It also has online centres around the globe, in addition to an advisory council that includes scientists from Japan and other countries,” said Dr. Al Awar.
Professor Mohammed Zairi, AVP,Academic Affairs, eTQM College, while dwelling on various topics related to excellence, vision and challenges of e-learning, as practiced by the college, said the whole focus was on enabling individual development and growth in a virtual leaning environment.

“e-TQM College helps managers to pursue their personal development by providing them with up-to-date and pioneering curriculums in partnership with centres of excellence around the world,” Professor Zairi said.

In his keynote speech, Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Dubai Police Chief and President, e-TQM College, said e-Learning had become an effective scientific model through which we could keep pace with the rapid developments taking place on the global front. This facilitates stronger and constant interaction with other players, aided by globalization and a knowledge-based economy.

“We cannot hold a conference on e-learning without acknowledging the originator and the creator of the e-learning vision, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, who stressed the need for developing effective teaching methods, the right tools, formats and framework,” remarked Lt. Gen. Dhahi Khalfan. “He took the lead, and gave orders to establish e-TQM, which, though a young organization, has succeeded in creating a modern scientific content in a scientific context, providing all seekers of distance learning facilities for broadening the horizons of knowledge through an e-learning portal.”

Lt. Gen. Dhahi Khalfan admitted that e-TQM would not have succeeded in achieving outstanding results without the support provided by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, which provided the all-important technical support in developing the standards for the academic programmes, in conformity with the concepts of e-learning and in harmony with the Arab environment and educational requirements.

“The credit for this goes to HH Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, who issued directives to the Ministry to support e-TQM College in its vision of becoming as a national beacon of science and knowledge. His Highness also gave his generous approval for the sponsorship of this remarkable conference.”