Dubai: Hamdan Bin Mohammad Smart University (HBMSU) on Monday announced it is the “world’s first university” to introduce ‘Gamification’ in learning, where students earn points by accomplishing “enjoyable” activities.
The announcement came as part of the Dubai-based university’s unveiling of its new projects to be showcased during UAE Innovation Week (November 20 to 26).
MBMSU Chancellor Dr Mansour Al Awar presented the plans in the presence of Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chairman of Police and General Security in Dubai.
Lt Gen Dahi is also chairman of the HBMSU board of governors.
Dr Al Awar said that Gamification, Personal Virtual Assistant, and The Local Programmer will be introduced as part of the university’s efforts to “rewrite the future of learning” in line with the UAE Vision 2021.
Gamification aims to motivate learners to add points to their Grade Point Average through various activities, such as visiting the library and volunteer work, that will qualify them for privileges.
The Personal Virtual Assistant, meanwhile, provides students the opportunity to connect any time with a virtual assistant that is familiar with the user’s academic profile.
The third initiative, The Local Programmer, seeks developing a generation of citizens capable of programing using Microsoft software and the Cloud Campus platform of the HMBU Social Learning Initiative.
Lt Gen Dahi said: “Our upcoming participation in Innovation Week 2016 comes in line with our commitment to national responsibilities supporting the UAE’s efforts to transform the path to development as one that is based on science, knowledge and innovation so as to achieve sustainable growth and prosperity in accordance with the guidance of our wise leadership.”
Dr Al Awar said: “The innovative initiatives were not made on the spur of the moment but are rather the result of a full year of extensive research and study to come up with unique programmes that advance HBMSU’s efforts to enrich knowledge.”
