Project-based learning (PBL) is a relatively recent innovation in teaching methodology that uses real-world learning activities to engage student interest and motivation. PBL equips students with skills necessary for the current job market: communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. This paper provides an overview of PBL, highlighting its effectiveness and potential role in helping students learn these skills. Steps for successful implementation of PBL are outlined, with particular focus on project design and assessment methods. PBL is then linked to moral education, both generally and with specific reference to the United Arab Emirates, with examples showing how PBL has been utilized to achieve this country’s educational policy aims. The paper concludes that PBL should be adopted to deliver the moral education curriculum and promote student engagement in community development projects.

Purpose: This exploratory study aims to investigate the potential of ChatGPT in mitigating loneliness among older adults. Design/methodology/approach: 20 participants aged 60 and above engaged in three conversational sessions with ChatGPT over two weeks. Data collection involved pre- and post-intervention assessments using the UCLA Loneliness Scale, analysis of conversation transcripts, and semi-structured interviews. Findings: Our findings indicate that ChatGPT shows promise in alleviating loneliness among older adults. Participants found the tool easy to use, engaging, and emotionally supportive. They established an emotional connection with ChatGPT, suggesting its potential to provide comfort and companionship to those experiencing loneliness. Conclusion: ChatGPT demonstrates potential as a tool to address loneliness in older adults, offering emotional support and engagement. However, it should be viewed as a complement rather than a replacement for human interaction. Future research should explore its long-term efficacy and its integration with other interventions.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between social isolation, ChatGPT usage, and social support perceptions among older adults. A sample of 65 participants aged 50 and above completed self-report questionnaires assessing social isolation, ChatGPT usage, and social support perceptions. The results indicated that social isolation is moderately prevalent among older adults, and ChatGPT usage is significantly related to social support perceptions, independent of age, gender, education, and employment status. The findings suggest that ChatGPT may be a useful tool for addressing social isolation among older adults. The study provides insight into the potential benefits of using ChatGPT as an alternative source of social support for older adults experiencing social isolation.

This study examines inclusive education practices for children with disabilities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by examining teachers' attitudes towards inclusion. The study sample consisted of 310 mainstream and special education teachers from all over the UAE. Statistical analyses were used to examine the relationships between predictors. The findings showed that all adult target groups demonstrated positive attitudes towards educational inclusion; however, female teachers had a more positive attitude towards inclusion than male teachers. The results also show that special education teachers had a more positive attitude than mainstream education teachers. There was a relationship between the knowledge, skills and attitudes towards inclusion of regular teachers and special education teachers; all teachers with knowledge, skills and training in special education received high scores for positive attitudes towards inclusion.

This research paper explores learning alternatives for chronically ill students, considering the challenges they encounter in their learning processes due to prolonged or intermittent absences from school. International practices and recent research findings on this topic will be reviewed in the contexts of hospital schools, SMART hospitals, and SMART learning technologies to highlight their primary characteristics. The current situation of hospitalized students, particularly those in Dubai, will be discussed to propose an alternative education program to aid them: the Edu-Med Care Model. This model is built on SMART education and healthcare approaches to support the goal of helping students overcome barriers that prevent them from accessing conventional learning spaces. The strengths and limitations of the Edu-Med Care Model will be evaluated.