Mr. Mongid Abu Baker, Director of MONGID | Software House, had a clear vision from the outset of Al-Istiqlal University’s transition towards distance learning as a vital alternative amidst the current challenges. He emphasized the importance of this decision and strongly supported the shift to e-learning, driven by his deep belief in the necessity of implementing this system. His full commitment to delivering the best solutions was based on his extensive experience and long-term vision for achieving successful digital transformation.
Despite facing several challenges and opposition, Abu Bakr confidently and persistently led this transition, ensuring the success of the university’s first e-learning experience.
Analysis and Planning
The first step was to analyze the university’s needs in terms of e-learning components and carefully select the most appropriate solutions. A comparative study of different educational platforms was conducted, taking into account the capabilities of the university staff and their initial experience in this field.
Key Outcomes:
- Provision of an online meeting platform to ensure the continuation of lectures.
- Implementation of a platform for creating exams and sharing educational materials.
- Comprehensive planning of the e-learning process, along with a detailed action plan covering all technical and academic aspects.
Implementation
Following the planning stage, we began the implementation of the educational systems and platforms in several phases:
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Student Account Creation:
Accounts for 1,500 students were created in less than a day using pre-existing data, along with a system that allowed students to easily access their account information. -
Educational Systems Setup:
We activated the selected systems and defined access permissions for both students and instructors, utilizing all available system features to meet their needs effectively. -
User Training:
We provided tailored instructional videos for both instructors and students, ensuring they could use the systems effectively and confidently. -
Technical Support:
A variety of technical support channels were offered, including email, phone calls, and direct support via Google Hangouts, to assist both instructors and students.
Monitoring and Follow-Up
After implementation, the process was continuously monitored to assess the plan’s progress and the performance of students and instructors. Some challenges were encountered, such as concerns about military course content and cheating, but practical solutions were proposed to ensure the smooth operation of the e-learning system.
Challenges
Several key challenges arose during the system’s application:
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First-Time Experience with E-Learning:
The lack of previous experience posed a significant challenge, but we successfully established an e-learning environment from scratch. -
Time Constraints:
The entire process, from planning to implementation, was executed in a very tight timeframe without any trial phase. -
Remote Work:
The necessity of remote work and the absence of in-person meetings made team coordination more difficult, but virtual meeting platforms were effectively utilized as an alternative. -
Diverse Technical Skills:
The varying levels of technical proficiency among students and instructors required additional support to ensure effective system usage.
Conclusion
Through innovation and dedication, we successfully transitioned Al-Istiqlal University to e-learning in just a few days, achieving an unprecedented success in saving the academic year. This accomplishment reinforces our leading role in driving digital transformation within educational institutions.
