Conference Overview
Under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Education and Higher Education, Dr. Sabri Saidam, the Continuing Education Center and Open Education Center at Al-Quds Open University is organizing The 1st International Conference on “Smart Learning for Community Development”, the conference will address the utilization of effective technologies in pedagogy infused with state of the art theories and contemporary teaching methodologies for the enhancement of education within Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
The two core aims of the conference are the following:
- To exchange knowledge and experience in Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) process among participants, sharing agents of excellence in learning and teaching at HEIs, as well as bridging the gaps in the competencies and resources of educational, societal, economic, and demographic sectors.
- To address the challenges that HEIs face under complicated sociopolitical and economic situations, and to propose Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) strategies to resolve these challenges.
Smart learning is built upon critical, reflective and innovative interactions between learners in various environments and contexts. It can be deemed to be a technology- enhanced learning environment characterized by its capability to adapt and have a customized support, which complies with each learner’s need at the right place and time. Furthermore, it enriches the traditional learning environments of universities with contemporary elements of technology and teaching methodologies.
The Conference will introduce new teaching theories and research methodologies, in addition to the new models of Continuous Professional Development (CPD), which promote high quality in education and enhance the flexible environments of Higher Education.
The conference welcomes participants with initiatives that highlight the quality aspect in teaching, and promote approaches for effective stimulation to encourage the engagement of students in the learning process, as well as initiatives that focus on utilizing technology in teaching and learning. Furthermore, the conference is concerned about sharing the best practices to enhance employability competencies, cultivate critical thinking and promote innovation in Higher Education.
The conference will include presentations, roundtable discussions, and online dialogues with academics, policy makers, and university students from various international HEIs. By the end of the conference, outcomes will be presented and effective proposals will be discussed, resulting in key strategies that provide new rehabilitation plans and frameworks to deviate HEIs from their traditional approach.
Objectives
- Share experiences of implementing smart learning at international HEIs to enhance universities’ learning process, teaching methodologies and resources;
- Exchange knowledge of the latest developments of Distance Models, theories and methodologies;
- Cultivate the latest skills and methodologies in education, and improve STEM curriculum;
- Highlight the role of smart learning and resources in serving and developing the Palestinian community;
- Encourage scientific research, promote creative experiences, and share inspiring initiatives for community service and development;
- Clarify the impact of the smart Learning in offering learning opportunities for women, persons with special needs (PSN) and people in marginalized and isolated areas;
- Explore Professional Development Models to help Palestinian institutions in meeting the rising needs of the local community.