A pioneering research project from within the Middle East, which aims to examine how an artificially-intelligent tutor can help teach English as a foreign language, is set to be discussed at the British University in Dubai (BUiD) in March.
The experimental program – “Intelligent Tutor” – is capable of systematically correcting errors for students studying English as a foreign language, and adapting to their preferred style of learning.
Developed by Dr Marina Dodigovic, it could provide an important tool for students of the future looking to develop their language skills and has been hailed as one of the major “technologies of the future” by experts in artificial intelligence.
Dr. Marina Dodigovic, Assistant Professor of English and TESOL, the American University of Sharjah, will deliver the lecture, employing her wide knowledge of the field of Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL).
BUiD supports a number of advanced research projects into information technology and its potential impact on education, and professors at the institution are looking forward to the opportunity to discuss the potential outcomes of this developing field.
“Computer Assisted Language Learning is a fascinating area, which educational institutions within the Middle East could make a significant contribution to,” said Dr. Habib Talhami, Head of the Institute of Informatics and Senior Lecturer at the British University in Dubai.
“The contemporary interest in technology research and development, combined with the classical traditions of language training in the Arab world, make it a very fruitful area of investigation,” he added.
Members of the public are welcome to attend the open lecture, which takes place on Wednesday 1st March 2006 at 18:00.
The British University in Dubai (BUiD) is the Middle East’s first research-based, postgraduate university. The University was established to facilitate access to world-class education, training and research in the Middle East. BUiD aspires to the highest, internationally recognized British standards as reflected in its partnership with the University of Edinburgh, the University of Birmingham, the University of Manchester, Cardiff University and now the Cass Business School at City University, London. Each has a five or five-star rating in the UK National Research Assessment Exercise that signifies research of international standard.
The not-for-profit university offers full and part-time Masters Degree programmes and Continuing Professional Development courses in Information Technology, Project Management, the Built Environment and Education. Subject to accreditation, new Masters programmes in Finance and Banking and IT Management will be offered in Spring 2006.
All BUiD’s current Masters Programmes have received Accreditation Eligibility Status from the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research’s Commission for Academic Accreditation.
The founders of the University are the Al Maktoum Foundation, the Dubai Development and Investment Authority, Rolls-Royce, the British Business Group and the National Bank of Dubai. The University is managed by a provisional council under the chairmanship of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
The Emirates Group, DUCAB, Atkins and Dubai Duty Free are supporters of the University through financial contributions or the provision of scholarships.
