The E-Learning Experience in the Initiative to Enable Gaza Students to Continue Their University Education as Visiting Students at An-Najah National University: Al-Aqsa University as a Case Study

Abstract

The study explores the implementation and outcomes of an innovative e-learning initiative aimed at addressing the educational disruption faced by students in Gaza due to the ongoing conflict. The initiative, launched collaboratively by An-Najah National University and other educational stakeholders, allowed Gaza students to continue their university education as virtual visiting students. Al-Aqsa University serves as a model for analyzing the initiative's effectiveness and challenges.

Using a qualitative descriptive methodology, data were collected through focus groups, interviews, and content analysis of institutional reports. Key findings highlight that while the initiative provided hope and an opportunity for continuity in education, it encountered significant obstacles, including unstable internet connectivity, lack of digital infrastructure, and psychological distress among students. Teachers displayed flexibility and resilience, utilizing diverse teaching methods to adapt to students' varying access to resources.

The study underscores the importance of e-learning as a tool for ensuring educational continuity during crises. It provides insights into students’ and educators’ experiences, emphasizing the need for enhanced support systems, such as access to stable internet, digital training for educators, and psychosocial assistance for learners.