Digital Learning Innovations Project

This research project, aims to design and use Digital Learning Innovations to improve the quality and accessibility of learning in and outside the classroom for children of host communities and Syrian refugees in Lebanon and Jordan. 

In this context, the project addresses the quality of learning , the effectiveness of the capacity building program, the pedagogical and the technological solutions which encompass Coder-Maker’s Learning Designs, XLoBs and their scalability in the current schooling systems.  

Research Goals

Develop a better understanding of:

• The development and use of context-specific digital learning innovations (e.g., specific challenges and opportunities) post emergency situation
• The effective and low-cost combination of resources such as tools, mechanisms, and strategies to maximize the value of digital learning innovations
• The conditions for an enabling environment to scale up innovative solutions from this project

Research Specific Objectives

• To develop and test an “Ecology of Digital Educational tools and Resources” in Lebanon and Jordan to effectively address the education challenges proper to the contexts of the host countries and those caused by the influx of Syrian refugees.
• To provide an effective, low-cost model designed to build the capacities of teachers, educators and administrators and counselors
• To deepen our understanding of the relevance and effectiveness of different digital learning innovations in post emergency situation
• To inform digital learning innovation related educational policy-making and action at national and sub-national levels in Lebanon and Jordan.
• To help students transition to higher education and career

Expected Project outcomes

• Accelerated learning for students (host communities and refugees).
• Students are more engaged in the learning process, producing and making things, or apply what they are learning in real projects – they are demonstrating their acquisition of key skill such as problem solving, entrepreneurial thinking, communications, critical thinking, collaboration
• Teachers shift their teaching styles from teacher-centric education to a facilitator or mentor supporting active learning (at least part of the time – where conditions permit); they collaborate, exchange resources and support one another.
• School leadership supports new learning paradigms being proposed by the program

Workshops are provided in 5 centers across Lebanon:

• Beirut: American Community School, ACS
• Saida: Hajj Bahaa Eddine Hariri School, HBS
• Kaslik: The Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, USEK
• Tripoli: Beirut Arab University, BAU
• Zahle: American University of Science and Technology, AUST

Syrian and Lebanese Students learning together

• What I really like about this project is that it stimulates students curiosity. The project wall was a bit challenging at first but now we see the connections  We did the activities with our students at school and they are asking what next? (Teachers, Jbeil Public School). 
• This is the first time I attend a training that I can use directly with my students. Everything is clear, I know where I am heading and the support is helpful.  I have benefited already a lot…I look forward to learning more; (Teachers, Baakline Public School)
• It is helpful to hear what the others are doing. The students have learnt a lot from the discussions and sharing session (Principal, Kfardebian)
• This is the first time I know that I can do something; I liked best the challenges and I can do them! (Student, Bekaa)

• Antelias Public School
• Hosh El Omaraa Public High School
• Wadi El Arayesh Public School
• Der Qamar Public School
• BaaklinePublic School
• Saba Zreik Public High School for Boys
• Martyr Rafic Hariri Public High Scool - Dohat Shweifat
• Saadnayel Public High School
• Kfarmatta Public School
• Jahlieh Public School
• Der Qanoun Public School
• Salma Sayegh Public School for Girls
• Beirut Aliya Public School for Girls
• Farid Salami Public School - Kfarzebyan
• Jbeil Second Public School
• Yahshoush Public school
• Dar EL Hoda - Saadnayel
• Amshit Public High School
• Khorbat Kanafar Public Vocational School
• Der Qamar Public Technical School- Shouf
• Maghdoushe Technical School
• Batroun Public Technical Institute
• Rene Mouawad Technical Institute - Majdalaya
• AlShouf Al Ali Institute
• Al Wafaa High School
• Father Andweikh School for Deaf and Dumb
• Hammana Public High School
• Sophia Hagopian College- Bourdj Hammoud
• Ecole Sacrés Cœurs - Zahle
• Makassed Ali Ben Abi Taleb School
• Makassed Khadija EL Koubra - Verdun
• Aksor Kassarjian School - Bourdj Hammoud
• Tabariss Public School for Girls
• Sad Bouchriyi Al Aliya Public School for Boys
• Zahle El Jadida Public School
• Ein El Dilb Public School
• Ras El Nabee Second Public School