Rhema, Amal and Miliszewska, Iwona (2012) The Potential of E-Learning in Assisting Post-Crisis Countries in Re-Building Their Higher Education Systems: The Case of Libya. Issues in Informing Science and Information Technology, 9. pp. 149-160. ISSN 1547-5867 (print) 1547-5840 (online)

Abstract

In consideration of the recent crises in Libya – the political crisis, the armed conflict, and the de-struction that followed – its higher education system needs to be re-built and re-developed. The use of Information and communication technology (ICT) and e-learning could play a vital role in this process. Information and communications technologies are key elements of the universal re-sponse to crises, whether natural or man-made disasters. ICTs are fundamental enablers of the coordination mechanisms that educational organizations need to restore in order to assist the af-fected learners and instructors. Libya is a developing country and the use of ICTs and the imple-mentation of e-learning were still in a quite early stage even before the current armed conflict. The recent crisis resulted in a setback to Libya’s e-learning efforts; however, the deployment of ICT and e-learning, assisted by the international community can provide Libya with the opportu-nity to significantly re-construct its education system, modernize instructional methods and, widen and improve access to higher education. This paper outlines the impact of the armed con-flict on higher education in Libya. The paper discusses how ICT and e-learning could be used (as reconstructive and attractive measures) to support the affected learners and instructors in Libya. It also outlines the potential for e-learning to increase access to, and improve the relevance and quality of, higher education. In conclusion, the paper proposes an integrated approach to advanc-ing the presence of e-learning in Libya’s higher education system.

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