A'rustaq: The University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS), represented by the College of Education in A'Rustaq, organized today a specialized scientific seminar titled "Education and Omani Societal Values: Social Behavior Shifts and Their Educational Reflections."
According to Oman News Agency, the event, held under the slogan "Renewed Dialogue and Impact that Makes a Difference," saw the participation of numerous academics and experts from various educational institutions across the Sultanate of Oman. Dr. Said Salim Al Sunaidi, Head of the Department of Educational Studies at the College of Education in A'Rustaq, emphasized in an opening speech the importance of addressing the subject of societal values in light of the rapid changes the world is witnessing. He noted the vital role of educational institutions in entrenching national identity and strengthening the value system among rising generations.
The opening session included the presentation of two primary keynote papers. The first addressed the impact of the information and communication deluge on societal values, while the second reviewed the topic of identity and social behavior shifts in the era of algorithms. The seminar also featured a panel discussion with the participation of academics and experts from Sultan Qaboos University, the Supreme Judiciary Council, and the State Council. The session discussed the most prominent challenges associated with values amid digital and social transformations.
The seminar's proceedings were distributed across eight simultaneous scientific sessions, which discussed multiple themes. These included the nature of value shifts and socialization, digital identity and the influence of social media platforms, and the ethics of artificial intelligence. Additionally, the sessions reviewed field experiences and practices in promoting values, as well as the roles of literature and the judiciary in consolidating national identity.
The event concluded with the announcement of recommendations that emphasized the importance of enhancing national identity and authentic Omani values. It also highlighted the necessity of adopting innovative educational strategies to keep pace with digital transformations.