Digital language learning market to double in the Middle East by 2018

Revenues from digital products will reach $215.7 million in the next two years

9 December 2014 – Digital education experts predict a sizeable growth for the industry throughout the Middle East in the next two years, in particular in the field of digital language learning.

Leading experts in the digital education space will be featured at the 8th edition of the Global Educational Supplies and Solutions (GESS) show, which Dubai will host on February 24-26, 2015 at the Dubai World Trade centre; and will share their insights on how digital education can shape the future of learning and teaching in the Gulf. The event is CPD accredited and free of charge for all educational professionals to attend.

Citing the latest digital education sector report from Ambient Insight entitled, The 2013-2018 Middle East Digital English Language Learning market, Matt Thompson, Project Director, F&E Group, organisers of GESS, says among the factors that will drive the growth of digital education in the region are government-initiated English language learning programmes as well as consumer demand for mobile educational applications:

“Government authorities across the region are establishing and implementing digital learning programmes as a way to raise the quality of learning and teaching in schools across the Gulf. This development will continue to flourish and will drive the demand for digital products, in particular in the field of English language learning, a key skill linked to enhancing employment opportunities for millions of students in this part of the world.”

According to the study, the growth rate for digital English language learning products in the Middle East is estimated to be at 13.2 per cent, with revenues expected to reach $215.7 million by 2018, up from the $116.1 million five years ago.

The report identified the top buying countries for digital English language learning products to be Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the UAE. In about five years, added the report, Turkey, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan will continue to be the top buyers of these products as part of their investments in digital education.

Meanwhile, the study also cited the following countries for having the highest growth rates for digital learning products – Kuwait and UAE (at over 25%), Oman (20%), Lebanon (19%), Turkey (17%), and Bahrain (16%). All of these countries have growth rates significantly higher than the aggregate growth rate for the region.

With the heightened interest in digital learning products not just among education decision-makers, but also among the general consuming public, GESS organisers have decided to dedicate a Digital Education Space for the 2015 edition.

“Over the last 7 years GESS has always been the leading platform for digital training and at the forefront for the latest teaching trends and learning. This year we’re thrilled to announce the launch of our Digital Education Area, featuring certified professional trainers, CPD accredited content and interactive workshops – all free of charge, you simply won’t find this at any other show,” Thompson added.

The Digital Education Space will host leading international experts as they present the latest insights and developments in digital education, including David Kirtlan, Managing Director of Elsium, a leading education consultancy specialising in mobile technology, learning spaces and curriculum innovation. He will run workshops across all three days of the conference on such topics such as harnessing the power of Google Tools to engage and support learners; exploring browser-based resources to enhance creativity in the classroom; creating video-based learning with iMovie to develop collaboration and evidence of understanding; exploring creative approaches including the use of green screens; exploring data collection in the science classroom using hardware probes; creating iBooks as learning projects and teacher resources with iBooks Author; and creating courses through iTunes U 2.0 Course Manager, among others.

Kate Cheal, an Apple Distinguished Educator, Apple Professional Development Authorised Trainer, and Google Certified Trainer, will also have sessions on creating apps in the classroom and using Augmented Reality as a tool for learning.

The Digital Education Space and GESS are free to attend and will feature the latest educational supplies and solutions from all over the world. Pre-event registration is encouraged and may be completed by visiting www.gessdubai.com.