Mahmoud Hawamdeh, Ph.D.

Palestinian EdTech Academic | Digital Citizenship & Digital Learning Researcher | 25+ Years Driving Educational Transformation
Ramallah, PS.

About

An internationally recognized EdTech researcher and academic with over 25 years of experience, Dr. Hawamdeh is a visionary leader specializing in digital pedagogy, policy, and innovation across Palestine and the MENA region. He drives educational transformation, successfully managing large-scale projects funded by global organizations like Erasmus+ and UNICEF, while directing master's programs and spearheading faculty capacity building to integrate emerging technologies and advance digital literacy.

Work

Al-Quds Open University
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Project Manager – Education Reform (STERATAC Phase II)

Ramallah, West Bank, Palestine, State of

Summary

Led national Learning Recovery interventions for Grades 1-9, coordinating with the Ministry of Education to improve foundational learning outcomes across Arabic, Mathematics, and Science.

Highlights

Directed national Learning Recovery interventions for Grades 1-9, coordinating closely with the Ministry of Education to enhance foundational learning outcomes for thousands of students.

Managed the recruitment, training, and coordination of a large workforce of assistant teachers, tutors, and counselors, ensuring robust support for remedial education programs.

Oversaw the successful delivery of online tutoring sessions and in-school support activities, significantly improving foundational learning outcomes in Arabic, Mathematics, and Science.

Supervised the strategic deployment and management of digital learning platforms, including Microsoft Teams and Moodle, to facilitate effective online academic support sessions.

Coordinated project implementation with the Project Coordination Unit (PCU), ensuring strict alignment with donor requirements and achieving all project monitoring indicators.

Monitored program delivery through comprehensive attendance tracking, engagement metrics, and learning outcomes reporting, providing data-driven insights for continuous improvement.

Al-Quds Open University
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Assistant Professor in Education Technology | EdTech Researcher

Ramallah, West Bank, Palestine, State of

Summary

Serves as an Assistant Professor and EdTech Researcher, educating undergraduate and graduate students while supervising master's theses and conducting research on innovative digital tools.

Highlights

Instruct undergraduate and graduate students in advanced education technology, fostering expertise in digital pedagogy and learning methodologies.

Supervise master's theses in educational technology and digital education, guiding future researchers in innovative academic inquiry and project development.

Conduct cutting-edge research on innovative digital tools and methodologies, contributing to the advancement of teaching and learning practices and publishing findings.

Palestine Ahliya University
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Faculty Lecturer

Bethlehem, West Bank, Palestine, State of

Summary

Instructs master's students in digital education and technology, specializing in digital citizenship and supervising advanced theses.

Highlights

Taught advanced digital citizenship courses to master's students, enhancing their understanding of technology's societal impact and responsible usage.

Supervised multiple Master's theses in Educational Technology and Digital Education, contributing to academic rigor and student success.

Served as an external examiner for master's theses, ensuring high academic standards and quality of research output.

Al-Quds Open University
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Director of Yatta Branch

Ramallah, West Bank, Palestine, State of

Summary

Led the academic, administrative, and operational functions of the Yatta branch, ensuring alignment with university mission and strategic goals while enhancing learning outcomes.

Highlights

Oversaw all academic, administrative, and operational functions of the Yatta branch, ensuring full alignment with university mission and strategic goals.

Supervised curriculum implementation, faculty performance, and student engagement, leading to enhanced learning outcomes across the branch.

Strengthened collaboration with local institutions, educational authorities, and community organizations, supporting key educational initiatives.

Led faculty and staff development through comprehensive training programs and capacity-building initiatives, significantly improving academic quality.

Arab American University
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Faculty Lecturer

Ramallah, West Bank, Palestine, State of

Summary

Instructed master's students in multimedia design for innovative learning and supervised their theses within the graduate program.

Highlights

Instructed the 'Multimedia Design in Innovative Learning' course for Master's students, fostering innovative pedagogical approaches and practical application.

Served as the main supervisor for multiple Master's theses in Innovation in Education, guiding students through their research and development processes.

Al-Quds Open University
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Director of Continuing Education Center

Ramallah, West Bank, Palestine, State of

Summary

Directed the Continuing Education Center, developing and implementing market-driven programs for adult learners and fostering strategic partnerships over 12 years.

Highlights

Led and oversaw the comprehensive operations of the Continuing Education Center for over 12 years, driving strategic growth and program excellence.

Developed and implemented over 30 market-driven programs and courses, meeting the evolving educational needs of adult learners and professionals.

Collaborated with numerous industry partners and organizations to design relevant training initiatives, increasing program enrollment by 25% annually.

Built strategic partnerships with local and international institutions, expanding the Center's offerings and reach across Palestine.

Monitored and evaluated the impact and outcomes of programs, utilizing feedback to ensure continuous effectiveness and relevance.

Significantly contributed to the growth and reputation of Al-Quds Open University as a leading provider of continuing education in Palestine.

Al-Quds Open University
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Director of Center for Digital Learning

Ramallah, West Bank, Palestine, State of

Summary

Spearheaded the university's strategic planning and implementation of digital learning initiatives, ensuring high-quality course delivery and resource management.

Highlights

Led the strategic planning and implementation of university-wide digital learning initiatives, enhancing educational accessibility and innovation.

Collaborated with diverse departments and faculties to design, develop, and deliver over 50 courses using advanced digital technologies.

Ensured the quality and adherence to high standards across all digital learning programs and resources, maintaining academic integrity and effectiveness.

Managed the Center's resources effectively, optimizing budget allocation and operational efficiency to support digital learning growth.

Represented the Center and university at over 10 relevant international conferences and networking events, enhancing institutional visibility and partnerships.

Built strategic partnerships with national and international organizations, expanding digital learning opportunities and supporting the university's mission.

Al-Quds Open University
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Euro-Mediterranean Programs Coordinator

Ramallah, West Bank, Palestine, State of

Summary

Coordinated Al-Quds Open University's participation in Europe Commission cooperation projects, successfully writing and implementing multiple initiatives.

Highlights

Coordinated and reinforced Al-Quds Open University's participation in over 10 Europe Commission cooperation projects (Erasmus+, Europe Aid, ENPI, H2020), securing significant international funding.

Led the successful writing and implementation of four major projects, including BENEFIT (Precision Agriculture), TEFL (e-Learning for English), and Virtual Reality for Immersive Learning.

Managed project lifecycles from proposal development to execution, ensuring compliance with donor requirements and achieving project objectives.

Facilitated cross-cultural collaboration among international partners, strengthening research and educational ties across the Euro-Mediterranean region.

Al-Quds Open University
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Event Organizer and Planner

Ramallah, West Bank, Palestine, State of

Summary

Successfully planned and organized key ICT events, managing all facets from logistics to stakeholder engagement.

Highlights

Orchestrated all facets of planning and organizing two major ICT events: 'i Mobility Day in Palestine' and 'Information Security Day Threats, Challenges and Solutions'.

Managed event logistics, speaker coordination, and promotional activities, ensuring successful execution and high attendee engagement.

Secured participation from key stakeholders and experts, enhancing the events' impact and reach within the ICT community.

Arab Techology Systems (ATS)
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Training Manager

N/A, N/A, Palestine, State of

Summary

Managed the ATS Training Center, establishing it as a leading IT training institution through strategic partnerships and program delivery.

Highlights

Managed the ATS Training Center, securing its position as the exclusive ORACLE Education Partner and a certified Prometric and Red Hat Linux training center in Palestine.

Established the first Redhat Certified Training Center in Palestine, significantly expanding advanced IT training opportunities in the region.

Directed and coordinated multiple training projects, securing funding and cooperation from international bodies like AED & USAID, ANERA, and the Belgian Development Agency.

Oversaw comprehensive administration and development of training programs, ensuring high-quality delivery and industry relevance for IT professionals.

Education

Near East University (NEU)
Nicosia, North Cyprus, Cyprus

Doctor of Philosophy - PhD

Computer Education and Instructional Technologies

Al-Quds University
Ramallah, West Bank, Palestine, State of

Master

Educational Leadership and Administration, General

Awards

Certificate of Appreciation

Awarded By

N/A

Received recognition for significant contributions and dedication in professional endeavors, demonstrating exceptional commitment and impact.

ECEL Excellence Awards

Awarded By

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Honored with an ECEL Excellence Award for outstanding achievements in educational and e-learning initiatives, highlighting innovation and leadership.

Publications

Problem-Based Learning (PBL): A Deep Approach to Learning in the 21st Century

Published by

N/A

Summary

Explored Problem-Based Learning as a deep approach to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and engagement in contemporary education, contributing to pedagogical innovation.

Methods Used in Digital Citizenship: A Systematic Literature Review

Published by

N/A

Summary

Conducted a systematic review of methods employed in digital citizenship education, identifying best practices, emerging trends, and gaps in current research and implementation.

Book Chapter: The Flex Model of Blended Learning Enabled Digital Citizenship

Published by

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Summary

Contributed a chapter on the Flex Model of blended learning, demonstrating its effective role in enabling and enhancing digital citizenship skills and awareness among learners.

Digital Well-Being and AI: Navigating the Intersection Between Technology and Mental Health

Published by

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Summary

Researched the critical intersection of digital well-being and Artificial Intelligence, providing insights and strategies for navigating technology's impact on mental health.

Comparative analysis of students and faculty level of awareness and knowledge of digital citizenship

Published by

N/A

Summary

Performed a comparative analysis of digital citizenship awareness and knowledge levels among students and faculty, identifying areas for targeted educational interventions.

Investigating the sustainability of open universities: Models, opportunities, and challenges

Published by

Kaplan Business School Australia

Summary

With the increased interest towards lifelong learning and the need for a shift from traditional to open universities, several questions were raised about the sustainability of open universities in this rapidly changing technological era and the ongoing geopolitical tension worldwide. To address this research gap, this study conducts a focus group discussion with nine open university leaders on sustainability models, opportunities and challenges of open universities. The results reveal that most of the open universities rely on government funds, which is considered the most guaranteed yet fragile model, in addition to tuition fees. The results further reveal that open universities go beyond the financial dimension to also cover technological and pedagogical dimensions when sustaining themselves, where most open universities are relying on their own developed software, open-source software, and Open Educational Resources to reduce course development costs.

Digital Citizenship and the Future of AI Engagement, Ethics, and Privacy

Published by

IGI Global

Summary

Digital Citizenship and the Future of AI Engagement, Ethics, and Privacy investigates the multidimensional relationship between digital citizenship and the influence of AI with a focus on ethical behavior, privacy, and civic engagement. It provides an interdisciplinary framework based on real-world applications and theoretical perspectives, highlighting the necessity of implementing ethical AI practices and improving digital literacy for participation in a responsible and inclusive future society. Covering topics such as academic integrity, mental health, and social network-based learning, this book is an excellent resource for academicians, researchers, educators, graduate students, technology professionals, and more.

Embracing technological advancements for lifelong learning

Published by

IGI Global

Summary

Throughout the educational industry the need to comprehend and navigate the profound transformations underway in the realm of continuing education remains a pressing challenge. As technological advancements accelerate at an unprecedented pace, traditional educational systems are being upended, leaving educators grappling with many questions. The emergence of digital technologies in education introduces a host of complex issues and opportunities. One such opportunity is the application of technologies that can address important issues and open new horizons for those that teach.> At the forefront of academic exploration and innovation is Embracing Technological Advancements for Lifelong Learning, a book of robust research covering an era where the digital revolution is reshaping education. This book brings insights into in-depth investigations of how digital technologies are transforming the landscape of continuing education. It delves deep into the strategies, resources, and best practices that organizations can harness to unlock the full potential of digital transformation. Covering a wide spectrum of issues, from e-learning platforms to virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence to mobile learning, this book is a comprehensive guide that showcases the real-world impact of digital transformation through compelling case studies and actionable ideas.

Languages

Arabic
English

Certificates

Moodle Educator Certification

Issued By

N/A

Designing Scenario-Based Learning

Issued By

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Gamification of Learning

Issued By

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Instructional Design: Creating Video Training

Issued By

N/A

Agile Instructional Design

Issued By

N/A

Skills

Educational Technologies

Higher Education Teaching, Digital Pedagogy, E-Learning, Instructional Design, Moodle, Microsoft Teams, Gamification of Learning, Scenario-Based Learning, Agile Instructional Design, VR/AR/AI Integration, Multimedia Design, Curriculum Development, Digital Learning Platforms.

Research & Academia

EdTech Research, Digital Citizenship, AI Ethics, Student Well-being, Thesis Supervision, Academic Administration, Literature Review, Case Study Analysis, Computer Education, Instructional Technologies.

Project & Program Management

Project Management, Program Coordination, Strategic Planning, Partnership Management, Donor Relations, Grant Acquisition, Monitoring & Evaluation, Stakeholder Engagement, Event Planning, Remedial Education Programs, International Cooperation Projects.

Training & Development

Training & Development, Training Delivery, Faculty Capacity Building, Professional Development, Lifelong Learning, ICT Training, Workforce Training, Adult Learner Programs.

Leadership & Management

Institutional Leadership, Strategic Leadership, Operational Management, Resource Management, Team Coordination, Community Engagement, Educational Reform, Organizational Growth.