“…All of a sudden, I realized I was not well prepared for the transition”: A Qualitative Exploration of University Students’ Perspectives on the Emergency Distance Education amidst the COVID-19 Crisis in Jordan

Our current study aimed at exploring the university students’ perspectives on the emergency distance education strategy that was implemented during the COVID-19 crisis in Jordan, one of the countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Utilizing a qualitative design supported by Moore’s theory of transactional distance, a total of 17 semi-structured interviews were conducted with university students of various study levels and disciplines. Data were inductively analyzed using thematic analysis as suggested by Braun and Clarke. Seven themes have emerged, including, (i) psychological response, (ii) digital preparedness and equality, (iii) technical competencies and technostress, (iv) interpersonal communication, (v) learning materials, (vi) non-reliable evaluation methods, and (vii) opportunities. Our findings provide evidence that the sudden transition from traditional on-campus to the online distance education was significantly challenging in many aspects and was not a pleasant experience for many participants. Various factors under the jurisdiction of academic institutions and decision-makers are considered main contributing factors to the students’ educational experiences amid the pandemic crisis. Therefore, better planning and more sustainable utilization of educational resources have paramount importance in providing a high-quality education. Additionally, more dedicated efforts in terms of equitable, reliable, and credible evaluation systems should be considered in Jordan’s distance education strategy.

Digital Education Strategy

This chapter analyzes and discusses key strategies for digital education. The chapter begins by examining and defining several key concepts, including global citizenship, digital citizenship, computational thinking, informational thinking, and systemic thinking. Next, the chapter analyzes the role of leadership in the age of digitalization and advocates for panoramic leadership. The chapter then discusses strategies and tools for teaching the digital humanities and compares STEM-based education with STEAM-based education. The virtual classroom is then analyzed, followed by a discussion of why Finnish schools excel in digital education. The chapter concludes by analyzing and discussing the architecture for digital schools and universities.

The Necessary Competencies for Selecting Academic Leaders in the Sultanate of Oman in Light of the Vision of the Education Strategy 2040

This study aims to search for the necessary competencies to choose academic leaders in the Sultanate of Oman in light of the vision of the 2040 education strategy. To achieve this aim, a qualitative approach is used, by preparing an interview card that includes five main questions. The sample of the interview consists of nine individuals who occupy leadership positions at the university and whose work is related to the educational field. The sample consists of (the dean of the faculty and his assistants, a sample of department heads, the dean of admission and registration, directors of centres, and the head of the Quality and Accreditation Unit). The data collection period took about one month. The qualitative method is used to analyse the responses of the corresponding sample using the coding system NVivo according to the study fields. The results of the study show that one of the most important competencies mentioned in the responses is the following competencies: personal competencies, professional competencies, communicational competencies, planning competencies, adequacy of practices, and technological competencies, in addition to the importance of academic leaders possessing the cognitive ability in two main dimensions (academic specialization and professional specialization). Furthermore, there is the importance of having a cultural horizon that helps them deal with various groups of society. As for the factors that influence the academic leader's success and make him distinguished, these are his ability to work with others, to take responsibility, to have the drive for accomplishments, to have the ability to negotiate and conclude deals, and to have the ability to deal with crises or risks. Based on the results of the study, several recommendations and proposals are developed.

Character Education Strategy Through Systemic-Integrative Model in Modern Pesantren Ar-Raudlatul Hasanah Medan

This research aims to find out the character values developed in Ar-Raudlatul Hasanah pesantren and its implementation strategy. This research method uses qualitative methods with descriptive types of analytical. The results showed that the implementation of character education in Ar-Raudlatul Hasanah boarding school refers to a systemic-integrative model. All components of education in the formation of santri's character have a strong relationship with each other that is built systematically and integrated. All santri activities from waking up in the morning to going back to sleep at night accumulated in the pesantren system and culture based on the values of Panca Jiwa consisting of sincerity, simplicity, independence, Ukhuwah Islamiyah, Freedom. In addition, pesantren also developed the motto that is virtuous, able-bodied, knowledgeable, free-thinking, and charitable. These character-building values are applied and developed systemically-integratively through learning activities in the KMI curriculum, the formation of pesantren culture/ culture, and through co-curricular and extracurricular activities. Methods used in the application of character education values are direction, transparency, assignment, training, habituation, discipline, appreciation, and punishment. Therefore, it can be said that Pesantren Ar-Raudlatul Hasanah is a modern system pesantren that applies character education systematically and is integrated into the overall totality of education starting from the learning process, pesantren management, and daily activities.

Analysis of AI Precision Education Strategy for Small Private Online Courses

In recent years, the learning efficacy of online to offline (O2O) teaching methods seems to outperform traditional teaching methods in the field of education. Students can use a small private online course (SPOC) teaching platform to preview class-related materials, learn basic knowledge, and enhance the practical experience of system development in offline courses. The research team applied an artificial intelligence (AI) precision education strategy to design a teaching experiment that evaluated whether this approach may lead to better learning outcomes. In addition to questionnaire surveys to ascertain students' attitudes toward and their satisfaction with learning, this study employed in-depth interviews to understand a potential influence on changes in teachers' curriculum design and teaching approaches when SPOCs was integrated into the traditional university classroom, as well as the impact of the AI precision education model. The results showed that the AI precision education model may facilitate students' learning experience and enhance student achievement.

The PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF HUMAN RESOURCES HIGHER EDUCATIONIN KOPERTIS III JAKARTA AREA

Purpose of this study was to find out and understand the profile of Higher Education Human Resources (PT), the quality of Human Resources for Higher Education, and determine the quality of Higher Education in Kopertis III in the Jakarta Region by using data from 2015 to 2017. The method used in this analysis is a study of documentation and surveys. In addition, key performance indicators (IKU) were used from the Kopertis III Education Strategy Plan for the Jakarta Region in 2015-2019 to assess the quality of Higher Education. The results show that there are 332 Higher Education under the auspices of Kopertis III in the Jakarta Region, which consists of PT Private institutions in the form of Universities of 57 Universities (17.17%), in the form of 15 Institute institutes (4.52%), in the form of Colleges 125 (37.65%), in the form of academies, 121 (36.45%) and 11 polytechnics (3.31%). but the students are only 58.39% and the lecturers are 71.83%. Based on 7 indicators, the feasibility of teaching lecturers was only 37.65%, permanent lecturers were 67.82%, professorship professors were 3.59%, senior lecturers were 19.84%, and most teaching staff of SM graduates were 34.82% . Based on 5 composite indicators selected, the quality of PT is only 49.85, meaning less than half. Based on the results of the analysis of the authors, it is recommended that further research be carried out regarding PT data collection, especially lecturers with all the details and whether the composite indicators used are appropriate to measure the quality of PT.

School Pantry Cook-Off: An Approach to Educate Youth on Food Insecurity

The “School Pantry: Mystery Food Box Cook-Off” is a program designed to increase awareness of food insecurity among youth and teach strategies to prepare healthy foods on a budget. A pre-and-post survey showed a statistically significant difference in participants’ overall knowledge, skills, and confidence level after the program compared to before the program. Findings revealed a hands-on nutrition education strategy via cook-off could educate youth on food insecurity and increase their knowledge and confidence to make healthy and affordable meals at home. Other Extension educators seeking to address food insecurity and food preparation skills among youth can replicate this program.