The National Erasmus+ Office of Lebanon and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education invited Mrs. Wadad Wazen Gergy, Director of the New Educational Technologies Unit (UNTE), in her capacity as a prominent member of the Committee for Online Learning, to attend the “Erasmus+ Roundtable: Recognition of Online and Blended Teaching and Learning” on February 20, 2024.
The event took place at the Auditorium of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and featured experts in digital learning. Mrs. Wadad Wazen Gergy served as a key speaker, representing Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ) in the panel titled “Key Elements for Regulating Online and Blended Learning,” alongside other experts representing various Lebanese higher education institutions.
Mrs. Gergy shared an overview of the current situation of online and blended learning at Saint Joseph University. She underscored the pivotal role played by the UNTE, established two decades ago, in integrating technology in teaching and learning.
Representing USJ in the panel discussion titled “Key Elements for Regulating Online and Blended Learning,” Mrs. Gergy delved into the primary challenges faced and the successful strategies employed by UNTE. She stressed the importance of the institution’s commitment to quality teaching in a digital environment, and that is evident through regular course evaluations, ongoing professional development initiatives, and the formation of specialized committees. She said that these measures are in place to ensure the university maintains a prominent position in delivering cutting-edge education.
Mrs. Gergy highlighted the crucial role of the university community in driving transformation. She emphasized the implementation of numerous initiatives across all institutions, facilitated through USJ’s network of Digital Referents.
In her concluding remarks, Mrs. Gergy acknowledged the wealth of experience accumulated by Lebanese higher education institutions in digital education. However, she stressed the imperative need for a comprehensive legal framework to fully harness the potential of online and blended learning.
The Erasmus+ Roundtable served as a platform not only to share insights but also to inspire further advancements in the ever-evolving field of digital education.
