Navigating technical change: E-learning takes on a growing role in local classrooms

Like many rapidly developing countries, Jordan’s education sector is expected to see a surge in electronic learning in the coming years, a trend that can be attributed to a sharp increase in the use of smartphones and growing internet penetration. The Arab Advisors Group, a research consultancy based in Amman, estimates that roughly 42% of mobile phones in Jordan in 2011 were smartphones. According to the most recent World Bank data, internet penetration in Jordan in 2011 was nearly 36%, higher than the 33% worldwide average and substantially more than the 31% within the Arab world.

E-LEARNING: As the kingdom becomes more connected, the spread of technology to the education sector is expected to provide Jordanian students new learning opportunities. Students in rural communities that do not have access to training centres may be able to sit in on lectures and interact with instructors remotely using internet- and mobile-based technology.

The government has recognised the importance of e-learning and requires all government-run schools to provide computer access to students from the second grade through secondary school. In addition, all secondary schools now provide their students with fullyequipped computer labs. Moreover, upwards of 11,000 laptops have been sold to university students at reduced prices, according to a 2011 report by the Freedom House, a US-based non-governmental organisation.

FRESH APPROACHES: A local non-profit, the Jordan Education Initiative (JEI), works to increase student connectivity by introducing technology into classrooms. First established in the early 2000s, JEI was relaunched in 2008 by Queen Rania Al Abdullah. The organisation has teamed up with a range of partners from both the public and private sectors. Recently, JEI collaborated with the American telecommunications firm Qualcomm to provide students in two Jordanian public schools with a laptop computer and 3G connection. The initiative, known as “1 to 1 Anytime, Anywhere Learning”, aims to motivate students to engage in self-directed learning, as well as improve learning experiences beyond the classroom. A total of 223 students and 32 teachers have been targeted in the project as of late 2012.

Another JEI project is an initiative between the nonprofit and the Talal Abu-Ghazzaleh Organisation ( TAGOrg). An international professional services firm based in Jordan, TAG-Org signed an agreement with JEI in late 2011 to boost e-learning. The organisation will start by supplying JEI with 100 affordable laptop computers, which will be provided by Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Computer Refurbishment, a member of TAG-Org.

Internet connectivity is seen as equally important as hardware. Google and Cloudypedia, an internet applications consulting firm and Google Apps reseller, recently hosted a Google Apps for Business event in Amman.

The one-day event emphasised how cloud computing can be used to strengthen academic cooperation. Cloud computing, which involves using a network of internethosted servers to manage and store data, can make it easier for Jordanian university students to share expertise with other students elsewhere in the world, which should greatly assist in the cultivation of research skills.

A local firm also has a stake in electronic learning.

Based in Amman, eLearment provides interactive learning platforms, content development products and elearning consulting services. It also offers products that help educators create their own e-learning courses. In May 2012 eLearment signed an agreement with Al Ahliyya Amman University to supply the institution with a range of technology-based learning systems.

CHALLENGES: While educators in Jordan have made substantial progress using electronic education, there are still a number of challenges. For example, some students may not possess the skills to use particular types of technology effectively. Additionally, incorporating technology-driven learning and training instructors on these tools can be expensive. These challenges are to be expected, however, and should not significantly slow the development of e-learning in the kingdom. It appears that electronic education will play an increasingly productive role in the future education of Jordan’s youth.