Over 100 educators now use AI to create engaging lessons while reducing paperwork
AI Transforms Abu Dhabi Classrooms
Abu Dhabi’s education sector is changing rapidly as teachers master artificial intelligence tools. The ‘AI for Teachers’ programme, launched by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek) last February, has trained more than a hundred educators to use AI effectively.
Dr Ahmed Al Shoaibi, Executive Director of Adek’s Higher Education Sector, explains: “The programme gives educators skills to leverage AI in teaching. We expose them to different tools and ways to incorporate them into their teaching cycle.”
How Teachers Use AI Daily
The initiative helps teachers with:
- Creating engaging lesson plans
- Grading assignments quickly
- Generating student reports
- Developing personalised learning materials
These tools save time while improving education quality.
Reducing Administrative Work
Teachers traditionally spend hours on paperwork instead of teaching. AI now helps by:
- Drafting initial reports
- Creating feedback templates
- Generating quizzes from lesson content
“A teacher can upload their lesson material, and AI can generate a quiz based on that content,” notes Dr Al Shoaibi. “The teacher reviews it, but it greatly reduces workload.”
Teachers Remain Essential
Despite AI advances, Adek emphasises that teachers are irreplaceable.
“There’s no replacement for the teacher; they will always be education’s core,” says Dr Al Shoaibi. “You need passionate, motivational teachers who inspire learning.”
The programme aims to free teachers to focus on what matters most – connecting with students.
Creative Teaching Applications
Teachers are finding innovative ways to use AI:
For mathematics: “Let’s say I’m teaching quadratic equations. AI can generate subject-related jokes to make lessons more engaging,” shares Dr Al Shoaibi.
For younger students: “When teaching about UAE currency or national trees, AI can create nursery rhymes, music, and videos – tools previously requiring production companies.”
Three-Step Training Approach
Adek’s training programme follows three stages:
- Assessment: Survey to gauge AI familiarity
- Bootcamp: Two-day intensive training on AI tools
- Classroom application: Two-week practical implementation
“The two-week capstone is most powerful,” Dr Al Shoaibi notes. “Teachers apply what they’ve learned and collaborate in diverse groups.”
Knowledge Sharing Among Educators
The programme has created a ripple effect. “Teachers return to their schools and share knowledge with colleagues,” says Dr Al Shoaibi.
One inspiring example involved a father-son duo attending different training cohorts. “The son joined first, and his father was so impressed that he kept applying until accepted.”
Supporting UAE’s AI Vision
The initiative aligns with national priorities. “This programme improves educational standards while supporting UAE’s AI strategy to become a global leader,” Dr Al Shoaibi explains.
Looking ahead, Adek plans to develop an Arabic version of the programme for subjects taught in Arabic.
Key Takeaway
AI technology supports rather than replaces teachers. By reducing administrative tasks and enhancing teaching methods, AI helps educators focus on meaningful student interactions while advancing UAE’s educational vision.
Published: 31 March 2025
JobXDubai 
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