The British University in Dubai organises its first TEDx event – ‘Reimagining Higher Education after COVID-19’

Date Posted:Mon, 8th Mar 2021

The British University in Dubai organises its first TEDx event – ‘Reimagining Higher Education after COVID-19’

The British University in Dubai (BUiD) organised the inaugural TEDxTheBritishUniversityinDubai at the Marriot Hotel Al Jaddaf on 16 January 2021. The event explored the impact of COVID-19 on higher education and the future of universities after the pandemic. Distinguished speakers from a cross-section of BUiD discussed key issues including Blockchain, inclusivity and diversity, and alternative methods of assessment.

 

TED is a non-profit organisation devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. Started as a four-day conference in California 30 years ago, TED has grown to support its mission with multiple initiatives.

BUiD’s Registrar and Chief Administrative Officer, Hugh Martin FRSA, opened by noting that education has been hit hard by the pandemic. Within weeks of moving teaching and learning online, the word was that the traditional university was dead. In fact, as Hugh argued, never has the purpose and mission of universities – in person and on campus – been more important. Watch the video: https://youtu.be/i-Idna3iS-A

Professor Eman Gaad, Dean of the Faculty of Education, examined diversity and inclusivity in higher education especially in difficult times such as the pandemic. She gave practical tips on moving forward based on research-based evidence and lessons learned about how the sensitive issue of inclusivity is handled. Watch the video :  https://youtu.be/LEqElLaPHIM

Dr Tendai Charles, Director of BUiD’s Centre for Research in Digital Education (CRDE), discussed the issue of exams and how universities worldwide have struggled to host effective exams online during the pandemic. Watch the video: https://youtu.be/wvcc1I-KBNU

The vital role of Blockchain technology was addressed by Dr. Maria Papadaki, Dubai Centre for Risk and Innovation, where she questioned if universities are really ready for embracing disruptive technologies. Watch the video :  https://youtu.be/Fc7DzB89x5c

Mamta Saha, Associate Member of BUiD’s Centre for Research in Digital Education, reflected on the severity of Covid-19 on higher education and its impact on the emotional well-being of students, teachers and the community. Watch the video: https://youtu.be/Hw9D6CMbK2w