ADU bags Mobility Project of the Year following implementation of Blackboard Mobile Application

Abu Dhabi University’s (ADU) recent implementation of the Blackboard Mobile Application was awarded the Mobility Project of the Year 2011 at the 2^nd Network World Middle East Awards last week. The mobile technology was recognised for providing innovative solutions that enrich the learning experience of students pursuing higher education, in and outside of the classroom.

ADU Chancellor, Dr. Nabil Ibrahim said, “ADU has been acknowledged for its keenness to employ modern softwares in educating students of the 21st century, and demonstrating new ways of learning beyond the four walls of the classroom. As a result, students are more efficient at aligning their academic achievements with their career choices and are inspired to become active participants towards their own future success.”

The e-solutions of Blackboard Inc. implemented by ADU and powered by Etisalat beat out mobility systems of the Dubai World Trade Centre, EMKE group, Oasis Hospital and Al Batha Group, within the UAE, and a number of other reputable organisations from around the Middle East. Over 200 mobility projects were evaluated based on the criteria of business case, technology choices and most importantly, how the project contributed to the bottom line.

A pilot launch of the new mobility system was first implemented in February across 3 classes and a total of 75 students at the ADU Khalifa City campus, and Blackberry and Etisalat provided students with latest models of the Blackberry Smartphone, already enabled with access to the Blackboard Mobile Application. Use of the new technology was measured for smoother flows of communication between professors and students, and an increasing rate of access to the information made available, including class lectures and other course materials, on the go.

Dr. Nabil added, “The objective of employing the Blackboard Mobile Application was to reduce dependency on computers. We want our students to benefit from the convenience and flexibility that this technology offers by staying better informed and more connected.”

Full implementation at both Abu Dhabi and Al Ain campuses will commence from the fall semester of 2011-2012, offering students and faculty effortless access to course content and university announcements, as well as documents in multiple formats and discussion threads that encourage increased participation from the students.

The 2^nd annual Network World Middle East Awards organised by CPI Dubai celebrated innovative networking projects employed by organisations around the Middle East while recognising business contributions made by end-users, and product leadership among vendors.