Dubai: The UAE Ministry of Education has unveiled a new project aimed at regulating the use of digital tools in classrooms, following the results of a pilot study that found stronger academic performance, improved concentration and better behavioural discipline among students in less digitally intensive learning environments.The initiative was announced during a media briefing held to outline the education sector's readiness for the 2026-2027 academic year.The ministry said the project seeks to achieve a balanced approach to technology use in education, ensuring students benefit from digital tools without compromising academic achievement, cognitive development or essential life skills.The initiative forms part of broader efforts to enhance learning quality, improve classroom discipline and strengthen thinking, communication and direct interaction skills among students.Pilot study covered 2,500 studentsThe initial study involved approximately 2,500 students across nine government schools, where students were divided into two groups to assess the impact of regulated digital-tool usage and compare outcomes under different learning models.The study focused on four key areas:Academic achievementDevelopment of basic skillsClassroom discipline and concentrationCreative thinking and higher cognitive abilitiesStronger performance in non-digital classroomsAccording to the ministry, preliminary findings showed a clear improvement in academic performance among students in non-digital classrooms across different educational stages.The strongest gains were recorded in:MathematicsScienceArabic languageThe results also revealed positive indicators in behavioural discipline and classroom focus, suggesting that a more balanced relationship between students and digital tools may contribute to improved learning outcomes.Expansion to 21,000 studentsFollowing the pilot programme's initial results, the ministry plans to expand the initiative to all Grade 6 students in government schools, covering approximately 21,000 students.The project does not seek to eliminate technology from classrooms but rather to establish an educational model that balances digital learning with the development of foundational skills.Focus on core skills and critical thinkingThe initiative is built around several educational objectives.In terms of academic performance, it aims to raise student achievement and learning outcomes.The project also focuses on strengthening fundamental skills including:ReadingWritingCommunicationIndependent learningA further objective is to enhance critical-thinking capabilities by developing students' abilities in:AnalysisReasoningEvaluationDecision-makingThe programme also seeks to improve problem-solving skills, creativity and the ability to apply knowledge in practical contexts.Enhancing interaction and disciplineBeyond academic outcomes, the ministry said the project places strong emphasis on behavioural and social development.In the area of behavioural discipline, the initiative aims to improve:FocusTime managementClassroom disciplinePositive participationAt the same time, it seeks to strengthen classroom dialogue and direct interaction between students, reinforcing the role of technology as a tool that supports learning rather than a replacement for core skills and human engagement.The ministry said the project reflects a broader vision of creating a more balanced educational environment that combines the benefits of technology with the development of essential academic, cognitive and behavioural competencies.
