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DTCM's e-learning initiative

04/02/2001

United Arab Emirates - February 4, 2001 (Press Release Network): The Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing's (DTCM) recently launched division, Tourism and Hospitality Training Solutions has launched a new e-learning programme from 31st January, designed to deliver on-line training via the Internet.

"The radical changes in the social dynamics of the classroom brought about by on-line education are very intense," said DTCM Director General, Khalid A. bin Sulayem. "On-line education marks the beginning of a new paradigm for learning and teaching in the regional tourism and hospitality industry."

He noted that Training Solutions has launched a new programme of study - an On-line Food Hygiene Course developed in conjunction with the UK's Brighton College of Technology and validated by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health - and are to pilot the course for a month to measure its effectiveness in the Dubai workplace.

The benefits of this type of course delivery include a cost-effective international qualification with low delivery expenses, a fully validated qualification, an enjoyable mode of delivery for participants, no resource implications, low administration costs, flexibility to suit the demands of the learner and provider, and unaffected worker rosters.

"The unrivalled objective of e-learning, is to deliver education to people instead of bringing people to learning and we at the DTCM have once again taken the lead in this regard," said Mr. bin Sulayem. "In its plain form, e-learning is the use of technology to deliver learning that is personalised to each learner or simply stated - it is Internet-enabled learning," he added.

The participants will follow a programme that provides each learner with an e-mail tutor, a discussion room and course material. At the end of the programme, each participant will complete a questionnaire and an examination will be taken to assess knowledge and skills.

In today's fast-paced culture, organisations that implement e-learning provide their work force with the faculty to turn change into an advantage. For the pilot programme, participants include staff from Rotana Hotels, The Inter.Continental Hotel, Le Meridien Hotel, The Ramada Hotel and Emirates Golf.

Commenting on the criticism levelled against on-line education, Mr. bin Sulayem said, "It is a popular misconception that on-line education is only for "techies" or technological experts. It is true that you have to have some basic computer skills to participate, but you certainly do not need to know very much, only the basics to operate a computer."

By eliminating barriers of time and distance the DTCM now offers individuals and organisations the opportunity to take charge of their own learning. (Further information on the course can be found on http://www.give.org.uk)

The DTCM is committed to e-commerce in line with the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, UAE Minister of Defence and Chairman of the DTCM.

For further information, please contact:
Ajay N. Rajguru, Executive Media Relations
Government of Dubai
Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing
PO Box 594, Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Tel: 04 - 2230000 ; Fax: 04 - 2230022.
Email: ajay@dubaitourism.co.ae
http://www.dubaitourism.co.ae

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