Universities in Lebanon have been introducing automation, digitalization and IT management for years.However, with the manifestation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the digital transformation of colleges werecatalyzed. This reality has forced colleges, universities, instructors and students alike to shift online suddenlyand rapidly with some not being able to adapt.  However, within Lebanon, the American University of Beirut (AUB), the Lebanese America University (LAU) and  the branch of the Arab Open University (AOU) in the country have introduced digital management systems.  Additionally, they have created new instructional models to enable major educational improvements as well as enhance learner & instructor experiences.  According to the Chief Information and Innovation Officer at AUB, the university is undertaking comprehensive  transformation at all levels. This transformation will encompass administrative processes, services, teaching and research among other things. The greatest source of pressure on universities to change stems from Gen Z students who demand flexible, personalized and real-time educational experience. As for LAU, a vision for digital transformation was devised in order to cater to the university’s stakeholdersprimarily students, teachers, researchers and non-academic service providers. LAU’s smart campuses in Beirutand Byblos feature smart infrastructure and classrooms, connectivity between campuses, high-speed internetaccess for all and flexibility in services. According to LAU’s Assistant Vice President for Information Technology, with the advent of AI, higher education institutions cannot escape accepting it while regulating its use. In LAU, a special committee was set up to work  on regulating the use of AI with a special focus on generative AI (such as ChatGPT).It is worth noting that in parallel to individual efforts to integrate AI into higher education, the LebaneseMinistry of Education and Higher Education has created a six-member digital learning committee from variousuniversities in order to set rules regarding the use of AI in higher education. (ICE BEIRUT)

Fonte notizia: Bank Audi, Lebanon Weekly Monitor, 23 - 29 Oct 2023