Advancing English Education: Embracing Digital Tools in Learning and Teaching Models

On Saturday, July 15th, the Moroccan Association of English Teachers (MATE) and the Yool Education platform collaborated to host a seminar in Rabat. The event was dedicated to advocating for the incorporation of digital technology in the learning and teaching of English.

The primary goal of this initiative was to promote the integration of digital tools within the English education landscape in Morocco. The event convened educators, trainers, educational technology experts, and key decision-makers in the education sector to explore the latest trends and innovative practices in the realm of digital language learning.

Abdellah Yousfi, President of the MATE association, expressed, “This seminar aims to enlighten teachers and decision-makers about the opportunities and advantages of incorporating digital technology in English education.”

Since 2004, the Ministry of Education has been working on a project to gradually introduce additional foreign languages, including English, German, and Spanish, into secondary education. In line with this strategy, a recently published ministerial note outlined plans to standardize the teaching of English in middle school starting from the 2023-2024 academic year. The note also specified the mechanisms for managing this operation, particularly in terms of human resources training and textbook development.

The rise of digital technologies and advancements in digitization now present an opportunity for learning and training, significantly contributing to the ongoing efforts for standardization.

Distance learning platforms can play a crucial role in training essential human resources and facilitating remote teaching in regions facing a shortage of teachers.

Abdelmonaim Faouzi, President of the Yool platform, highlighted, “Yool Education has opted for interactive distance learning, placing the teacher at the core of the transmission equation. Teachers can leverage technological resources within equipped and standardized studios nationwide, and soon internationally. This approach democratizes access, reduces disparities, and offers various English language cycles to diverse audiences.”

Aziz Kaichouh, Secretary-General of the Higher Council for Education, Training, and Scientific Research (CSEFRS), stressed that educational digital resources enhance interest in foreign languages. He emphasized the importance of a differentiated approach and autonomy, supporting reasonable accommodations for students with specific needs and generalizing their education.

However, Kaichouh cautioned that educational information and communication technologies (ICTs) are not miracle solutions for language learning. He emphasized that their effectiveness lies in how they are used.

Additionally, Kaichouh presented strategic recommendations, including reviewing and updating current policies integrating ICTs in language education, adopting a well-structured and progressive approach, implementing a bottom-up approach in digital governance, and giving a local character to the integration of ICTs in English teaching.