Under the patronage of the Dean of the College of Engineering, Professor Dr. Ghassan Hamid Abdulmajid, and under the supervision of the Head of the Department of Water Resources Engineering, Professor Dr. Basim Shaba Abed, the Department of Water Resources Engineering, in collaboration with the Psychological Counseling and Guidance Unit and the Continuing Education Unit at the College of Engineering, organised a workshop titled The Challenges Faced by University Students in Adapting to Online Learning.
The workshop was conducted by Dr. Aliaa Shaker Alawi, Assistant Lecturer Alaa Abdulhadi Abbas, Assistant Lecturer Hussein Fadel Hussein, and Assistant Lecturer Ali Khairi Ibrahim as part of the activities of the Psychological Counseling and Educational Guidance Committee in the Department of Water Resources Engineering. The event took place on Wednesday, 26 February 2025, at 12:00 PM in the Dijla Hall of the department.
Assistant Lecturer Hussein Fadel Hussein introduced the first session, covering the concept of online learning, its history and development, advantages, models, tools, and future prospects.
Dr. Aliaa Shaker Alawi discussed the objectives of the workshop, highlighting the importance of online learning, identifying key challenges university students face in adapting to digital learning environments, analysing their causes, and proposing practical and innovative solutions.
Assistant Lecturer Ali Khairi Ibrahim led the third session, which focused on the concept of online learning strategies aimed at providing smart learning environments tailored to the needs of individual students. This technology fosters a unique educational experience by actively engaging students through interactive activities and continuous participation, enhancing comprehension and retention.
Assistant Lecturer Alaa Abdulhadi Abbas addressed the challenges faced by university students in online learning, such as reduced direct interaction, difficulty in time management, and technical issues. The discussion included strategies for students and instructors to overcome these challenges, such as improving digital communication and encouraging active participation. The role of universities in enhancing the online learning experience was also reviewed, including providing training, technical support, and developing effective educational platforms. The session featured interactive discussions where attendees exchanged ideas and experiences.
Workshop Outcomes and Recommendations
The workshop concluded with several key recommendations aimed at improving the online learning experience for students:
- Enhancing adaptability to online learning environments by offering training programs on time management and effective use of digital tools.
- Improving communication channels between students and faculty by encouraging the use of interactive platforms that facilitate continuous engagement and foster a sense of academic community.
- Ensuring technical and IT support to provide a smooth learning experience by addressing technical issues promptly.
- Encouraging active participation and interaction through the integration of interactive activities in the learning process, such as group discussions and practical exercises, to enhance comprehension and retention.
The workshop was attended by several faculty members, staff, and students from the department.
