Ajman, Jan 29: The Gulf Medical University, Ajman which is at the forefront of quality Medical and Health Sciences Higher Education in the United Arab Emirates and the GCC region, established another pioneering initiative with the inauguration of its e-learning portal by the Guest of Honor His Excellency Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, Former President of India earlier in the day in the Information and Learning Centre of the University.
The Guest of Honor Dr A P J Abdul Kalam was formally received by Mr Thumbay Moideen – Founder President of Gulf Medical University and escorted along with important dignitaries and invited guests for the inauguration of the New Library Expansion. Later, Dr Kalam was briefed to an audio-visual presentation followed by a visit to various medical faculties and departments.
Gita Ashok Raj – Provost of GMU proposed the welcome address. Dr A P J Abdul Kalam shared his views on the topic “Let my brain remove the pain”. Dr Kalam called for a change in attitude and perspective towards preventive and rural medicine while addressing the gathering.
Dr Kalam authored an oath during his address where he advised the students to remove ‘diagnostic pain’ faced by patients. “Patients are faced with diagnostic pain when they visit a medical centre with health related problems. Doctors often advice many medical tests which add to the misery of the patients. As future doctors you should reduce the diagnostic pain,” Dr Kalam said.
Dr Kalam stressed that there was the need to improve primary healthcare facilities in India while building the education infrastructure to share knowledge between healthcare professionals. He added that there is an immediate need to bring down the costs of medicines while providing healthcare professionals with a forum to exchange case studies and share expertise which will help save lives on time.
Explaining the salient features of the GMU e-learning courses, Dr J F Thomas, the Director of the Centre said that the Online Courses will be delivered in combination with face to face contact sessions using a blended learning approach. These courses will be modular and conducive to enable further learning as an evidence of the University’s commitment to promote lifelong learning.
Online courses are to be designed and delivered to various categories of learners including those who wish to enhance their awareness of health issues, students aspiring to pursue health sector careers, and professionals who wish to hone their knowledge and skills specific to their domain and discipline.
The courses will be delivered via the MYGMU course management system. However they will be SCORM compliant to enable the learners to access the lessons irrespective of the systems to which they may have access. Online course design is underpinned by relevant pedagogical theories, particularly those that apply to self guided as well as collaborative learning
Lessons are created by using a number of software programmes such as, Adobe Flash, Dream weaver, Soundforge, Naturalsoft etc., and compiled in Articulate Suite, which is SCORM compliant. Further the lessons are designed to create a near class room environment and one to one delivery. Ample examples, interactive elements, and self assessments that incorporate multiple trails enrich and enhance the learning experience of students.
After a soul stirring speech and interaction with the faculty and students, the Guest of Honor Dr A P J Abdul Kalam was presented with a special memento by Thumbay Moideen, Founder President of Gulf Medical University, Ajman – U A E.
Before concluding the grand event the Guest of Honor Dr A P J Abdul Kalam presented B Ahmed Hajee Mohiudeen, Chairman – BA Group, India with a Lifetime Achievement Award and a Special Award to P K Ahmed, a leading Industrialist and Philanthropist from Calicut, India in recognition of his invaluable contribution to the society and his philanthropic services over the years.