Casio Middle East FZE, the regional subsidy of Casio Computer Co. Ltd., alongside Mahmoud Saleh Abbar Co, the distributor of Casio products in the Kingdom, has partnered up with the Saudi Association for Mathematical Sciences to provide teaching materials for students of all levels, as well as support with various training programs for teachers.
For more than 30 years, Casio has been working around the world for the further enhancement of mathematics learning, by using the Casio calculator as a tool of educational technology integration. Also called “Gakuhan,” the program will see Casio collaborate with education officials and teachers to develop localized versions of scientific calculators and create teaching materials that make use of scientific calculators, based on local curriculums and textbooks. Casio will also conduct special training so that teachers can run classes using Casio teaching tools.
Takashi Seimiya, managing director at Casio Middle East, said: “We are delighted to collaborate with SAMS to bring our technology to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia alongside Mahmoud Saleh Abbar Co. SAMS has been a leading scientific, cultural and educational resource in the field of mathematics and teaching methods in the Arab world, so proved a natural fit for this collaboration. Together with SAMS, I am looking forward to the development of scientific research and mathematical knowledge through the use of Casio calculators and to supporting educational initiatives for many years to come.”
Ayman Tawfiq, general manager at Mahmoud Saleh Abbar Co, Casio’s distributor in Saudi Arabia, said: “It is indeed our aim that this collaboration would add significant value to the development of math and science education through knowledge sharing for the teachers, and by extension, students in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Mahmoud Saleh Abbar Co. will continue extending support to Saudi students and educators to ensure constant enhancement of math learning and facilitating the training program.”
As the only company undertaking the Gakuhan program around the world with scientific calculators, the collaboration with JISR sees Casio develop training systems that allow teachers to train using their products, support online education of the usage of the Casio calculator emulator, support math competitions by offering a gamified solution, and support teachers, in order to make students’ lives simpler. The program will also connect teachers with each other to exchange their experiences while also supporting activities within classrooms through the Casio Teachers Forum.
Dr. Reem Al-Hefthi, vice chairman of the board of directors at SAMS, said: “Casio has indeed supported and sustained the professional development of mathematics through our contest.”
Last year’s contest was a success, the participants showed a great deal of creativity and excellence. Thus, we are really looking forward to upcoming events that will target different levels of the mathematical society, including students in general education, graduate students and university educational staff.”
