Advanced Technology Research Council Launches Coding Initiatives for Schools

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

In celebration of the inaugural International Day of Coding, the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) has launched two significant initiatives aimed at enhancing coding education in Abu Dhabi’s schools. These initiatives seek to empower students and teachers with the skills necessary for success in the digital age.

To ensure long-term impacts on the educational landscape, ATRC has been conducting extensive training sessions for teachers. The aim is to equip schools with innovative tools and engaging activities that will enrich students' learning experiences. One of the standout tools introduced is ImagiCharm, a wearable device that combines coding and creativity. ATRC has provided 22 schools with this device, trained 40 teachers, and is targeting approximately 1,000 students for the upcoming academic year 2024-25. There is potential for this initiative to expand, reaching up to 3,000 students in the future.

In addition to ImagiCharm, ATRC is also implementing a gamified coding activity called Hour of Code in 10 public and private schools across Abu Dhabi and Dubai. This engaging program utilizes the popular video game Minecraft to teach over 1,000 students in grades 6 to 12 the fundamentals of Python coding. The Hour of Code initiative will involve training more than 15 teachers from the UAE to adopt innovative teaching methodologies that align with the latest global educational trends.

These projects are designed to introduce students to STEM subjects in a fun and interactive way, providing hands-on activities and advanced educational resources that make learning coding accessible and enjoyable.

The International Day of Coding, celebrated on October 29, was proposed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to UNESCO. The proposal was successfully approved and the date was previously associated with the UAE Codes campaign, organized by the UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications.

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His Excellency Shahab Issa Abu Shahab, Director General of ATRC, emphasized the importance of these initiatives, stating, “The celebration of the International Day of Coding aligns seamlessly with our aspirations to help propel the UAE as a global hub for innovation and digital transformation. These initiatives reflect ATRC’s commitment to empowering educators and the next generation with essential coding skills. It also demonstrates our belief in a future workforce that will drive the UAE in the digital economy, and it exemplifies our leadership’s vision to reach the highest educational standards, which are essential for fostering a strong and competitive knowledge-based economy.”

Through these efforts, the Advanced Technology Research Council is paving the way for a new generation of coders, ensuring that students in Abu Dhabi are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the digital future.