Pioneering Digital-First Learning in Saudi Arabia

How OWIS and McGraw Hill are delivering real results through digital learning

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The Challenge

Building a Digital-Only School in a Print-First Landscape

In a region where most schools still rely on printed textbooks, One World International School (OWIS) in Saudi Arabia set out to do something different — launch a fully digital learning environment from day one.

As one of the few schools in the Kingdom to take this approach, OWIS faced a unique challenge: How do you design a successful digital-first classroom experience for early learners in a market where that model is still rare?

The key challenges are:

Supporting ESL Students Through Double the Challenge

Most students were learning in English as a second language—grappling with both the content and the language at once.

Preparing Teachers for a Fully Digital Classroom

OWIS teachers needed hands-on training to teach confidently without print—every day, in every lesson.

Differentiating Instruction Without a Single Textbook

Teachers used the platform to meet varied learning needs, ensuring no student was left behind.

Keeping Curriculum Rigor High in a Digital Format

Lessons remained rigorous, standards-aligned, and adaptable to students’ evolving needs—without sacrificing quality.

The Approach

A Purpose-Built Digital Environment with McGraw Hill

To bring its vision to life, OWIS partnered with McGraw Hill to implement the Open Learning Platform across all early grade classrooms — making it the backbone of teaching and learning from the start.

The platform enabled OWIS teachers to:

  • Integrate digital and traditional learning seamlessly, adapting to different teaching and learning styles
  • Use real-time analytics to personalize instruction for every student
  • Assign differentiated reading levels and activities easily, keeping all students on track
  • Access professional development and training whenever needed — not just once a year
  • Save planning time through easy access to ready-to-use lessons and resources
"Training isn't just once a year — we get support when we need it."
— Curriculum Coordinator
"A student who hated English now asks for more — because it's videos and games."
— English Teacher
"I can assign different reading levels to different students — it's easy."
— English Teacher
"A student who hated English now asks for more — because it's videos and games."
— OWIS Teacher
"A student who hated English now asks for more — because it's videos and games."

The Results

More Confident Learners, Less Teacher Workload

The Open Learning Platform helped OWIS achieve real, measurable impact:

80.8%

Average mastery achieved in Math

9,400+

 Digital lessons and activities accessed by students

100%

Digital classrooms (Pre-K to Grade 5)

27

Teachers implementing digital learning daily

100%

Digital classrooms (Pre-K to Grade 5)

On-demand teacher training included

"I can assign different reading levels to different students — it's easy."
— OWIS Teacher

Today, OWIS classrooms are dynamic, student-centered environments where technology enhances — rather than complicates — teaching and learning.

See What 100% Digital Learning Looks Like

Struggling to meet every student’s needs with limited time and resources?

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