Prof. Al Ajab Mohammed Al Ajab, Educational Technology and Distance Learning Professor at the College of Education, Administrative and Technical Sciences at the Arabian Gulf University (AGU), participated in the inaugural annual conference on Early Childhood Care and Education. The conference, themed “The Impact of Disseminating Quality Practices on Implementation in Early Education Institutions”, coincided with the International Day of Education. It was organised by Honourcode for Pioneering Educational Training. 

Prof. Al Ajab, who supervises the King Hamad Chair in Digital Learning, presented insights and applications of the chair at the conference, highlighting the role of digital learning in enhancing care and education in early childhood. In his research paper, Prof. Al Ajab discussed the transformative role of digital education at this critical stage, emphasising pioneering initiatives and applications developed by the chair at the Arabian Gulf University.

He explained how digital tools and technologies could be effectively integrated into learning environments to enhance the cognitive, social, emotional and physical development of children in early childhood. Prof. Al Ajab also reviewed the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing digital education, such as accessibility issues, teacher preparation and screen time management, supported by case studies and content analysis.

The research paper provided actionable recommendations for improving the use of digital tools in early childhood, ensuring their developmental appropriateness and inclusivity. Prof. Al Ajab affirmed that the initiatives of the King Hamad Chair in Digital Learning at AGU align with global trends and innovative strategies, representing a progressive model for advancing digital education in early childhood settings and educational environments at large.

In this context, Prof. Al Ajab called for significant investment in digital infrastructure, urging governments to prioritise such investments to ensure all children, including those in disadvantaged and remote areas, have access to digital education. He also stressed the importance of developing clear policy frameworks to incorporate digital education into early childhood curricula, aligned with global standards and best practices. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of strengthening public-private partnerships to expand digital education initiatives and address resource gaps.