The 20th annual iEARN (International Education and Resource Network) International Conference and 17th Youth Summit, organized by  Reach Out To Asia (ROTA), ended on a successful note in Doha with participants agreeing to increase relevant usage of technologies in education to reach out, learn and build a better world together.

Qatar became the first country in the Gulf to host this summit since the conference began in 1994.

This year’s annual iEARN International Conference drew around 700 teachers, students and specialists in information technology from more than 50 countries, who gathered to share and learn how technology is being used in the classrooms, said the event organisers.

The Supreme Education Council was the official ROTA partner of the iEARN conference, while RasGas was the Golden Sponsor and Qatar Vinyl Company, the Bronze sponsor.

Over the course of five days, the delegates took part in various activity-packed program, interactive sessions, panel discussions and closing ceremony celebration.

“This year’s forum has proven that the iEARN agenda has never been more relevant. We are working together with all the educators to achieve progress and to realize our aspirations of a world where everyone is connected and where everyone can benefit from and participate in the digital world,” said Rota executive director Essa Al Mannai.

On the final day, delegates took part in one of the panel sessions that was dedicated to social media tools in education. This session was well-received by the youth as this is the new form of media that has been catching the imagination of today’s new generation.

Panelists discussed the innovative developments in communication and information technology of the social media revolution besides connecting teachers and students in new ways that require a rethinking of traditional forms of teaching and learning.

The panelists also dwelt on the pros and cons for different social media tools and discussed how to utilize them in a meaningful way in classes.

On day one of the conference, participants were introduced to a session on how to build an IEARN project for cell phones and tablets. The session demonstrated some successful iEARN projects using mobile technology and analyzed the basic pedagogical foundations of mobile learning related to iEARN projects.

Following this session, participants witnessed an inspiring web based project-‘MY HERO’ that offered an archive of thousands of stories of heroes from all walks of life. This session showcased documentary films about people who have impacted their community by saving lives, bringing positive changes or helping people become better.

The conference gained momentum on the second day with two world-renowned speakers, Dr Mohammed Ally and Dr. EssamHeggy addressing the participants.

Dr Ally in his keynote talked about building bridges and solving educational divide, while DrHeggy spoke on space science as a motor to build and inspire future generations. For the participants hearing these two eminent speakers was surely a defining moment for them.

Julie Lindsay, a global educator, innovator, teacherpreneur, leader, in her keynote speech, narrated her experience in the use of educational technology in schools at Zambia, Kuwait, Bangladesh, Qatar, and China.

As an IT Director in international schools, she has implemented 1:1 learning and worked with teachers from K-12 on pedagogical applications for mobile and ubiquitous computing. She also developed a unique approach to global collaboration using Web 2.0 tools and connected learning approaches.

Julie has also led the way in global education and technology-infused connections and collaborations across six countries.

Following this session, Claudia Batista, Cathy Healy, Salman Al Muhannadi, Justin Kramer and Ben Robinson were involved in a panel discussion that explored the role of films in education. The panelists highlighted the relevance of visual tool in making education more effective and simplified.

Finally, to conclude the penultimate day of the summit, students from participating countries had the chance to showcase their traditions and culture on the 'cultural night.'

ROTA provided scholarships for 30 teachers and students to help them travel to Qatar and attend the conference.-TradeArabia News Service