2 weeks Ago By Qatar Tribune
Qatar tribune Tribune News Network Doha The Arabic for Non-Native Speakers Centre (ANNS) at the College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University (QU), in collaboration with Al Jazeera Media Institute (AJMI), organised a seminar on ‘Teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers in the Digital Space: Initiatives in Teaching, Learning and Assessment’. The seminar brought together a distinguished group of international experts and academics who shared innovative experiences and initiatives in teaching Arabic to non-native speakers in virtual environments. Discussions focused on leveraging the benefits of the ongoing digital revolution to enhance learners’ proficiency, support virtual learning environments, and address legislative and cultural challenges related to teaching Arabic in the digital space.
The event opened with a keynote lecture by Prof Aiman Erbad, vice president for Research and Graduate Studies at QU, who reviewed the university’s efforts to support the Arabic language in the digital age. Dr Seeta Al-Athba, associate dean for Languages, Communication, and Translation at the College of Arts and Sciences, emphasized that this academic initiative aligns with QU’s digital transformation strategy. She stated that the seminar aimed to highlight innovative initiatives that improve the Arabic learning experience in digital contexts, keeping pace with rapid technological advancements and the growing demand for Arabic language learning through virtual platforms.
It also sought to deepen the discussion around the latest digital resources employed in Arabic learning and assessment. Dr Al-Athba added that the seminar reflects the centre’s commitment to utilizing digital revolution tools in language education to enhance the linguistic competence of Arabic learners and enable them to meet their educational goals within advanced digital environments that foster learning and skill acquisition. She further noted that the seminar’s outcomes would contribute to building on the centre’s recent successes, especially in expanding Arabic learning opportunities through modern digital platforms.
These include the launch of the remote Arabic Language Program for Non-Native Speakers, the expansion of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), and the development of a comprehensive electronic assessment tool for learners. Dr Ibrahim Mansour from Al Jazeera Media Network emphasized that the joint organization of this seminar by Al Jazeera Media Institute and QU strengthens the institute’s role in advancing Arabic language teaching for non-native speakers. He highlighted the “Arabic Language Learning Program at Al Jazeera Media Institute” as a prime example, offering a comprehensive educational experience that integrates language instruction with media training.
The programme aims to empower learners to communicate effectively in modern media and digital environments, focusing on developing robust digital content aligned with global language education standards. The seminar featured several scientific sessions covering various topics, including remote learning and the future of Arabic instruction, MOOCs in Arabic language education, legislative and cultural challenges in digital Arabic teaching, and the future of digital content in Arabic education—particularly the use of interactive texts and virtual reality. Copy 15/04/2025 10.
