Technology is Transforming the Arab University Experience

The integration of technology in education has a long standing history, but as with all other sectors, the pace of adoption and change within the university teaching and learning space has revved up as of late. This is pushing forward a transformation globally and the Arab region is no different with learners wanting to assure that their universities are offering the most up to date experience.

At the heart of this change are students, who are increasingly expecting an educational experience that goes beyond just the acquisition of knowledge. They want to make sure that they are ready for a post-graduation experience that prepares them to make a contribution to their communities and beyond.

The future of work is demanding new #skills and competencies, such as critical thinking and creativity, that will help students thrive in this fast-paced and ever-changing world. Universities that can offer a rich, flexible and personalized experience will be better positioned to prepare their students for the future of #work. This means making sure that technology is part of the learning process, not a distraction from it.

As such, universities in the #Arab region must focus on creating dynamic learning environments that combine different instructional approaches and technologies to deliver an engaging, personalized and effective learning experience for students. By prioritizing the needs of today's learners, universities can find ways to better serve their students.

We are seeing some examples of universities who are stepping forward in the region, such as the American University of Beirut that is making sure that there are fully online courses and programs for students. For example, they have launched a new joint-professional diploma in Green Technologies developed in collaboration with The American University in Cairo and the Lebanese American University . The program is unique on multiple levels assuring engineers and architects have the technical, and social knowledge and skills to develop #energy solutions for better building performance. This is an example of how the use of #technology is not only making the delivery of advanced learning interactive and engaging, but more inclusive, accessible, and relevant to immediate market needs for sustainable development.

These kinds of collaborations focused on innovative projects and initiatives aimed at empowering Arab youth are helping to accelerate a transformation in #university #education. The back-end of this evolution is research, training students and staff, and creating technology-enabled environments that allow for greater collaboration between institutions. We need to invest in these areas if we are to prepare our students for the future of work and remain competitive on a global stage.

There is no doubt that the future of work is rapidly changing, and universities in the Arab region must be prepared to support students as they transition into their #careers. The World Economic Forum predicts that there will be a transformation in the job market and that 65% of students will be working in roles that don't yet exist today. As such, it is incumbent upon universities to embrace new technologies and innovative learning approaches.

After all, they are entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring students are prepared for the challenges of tomorrow, and that means providing an educational experience that prepares them for a rapidly changing world.