Qatar University (QU) hosts the 18th Annual MENASA NASPA Conference, in partnership with NASPA (Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education) under the theme "Student Affairs: Changes and Challenges in the Era of Emerging Technologies," with extensive participation of professionals, researchers, and experts from various educational institutions in the MENA region and South Asia.
The conference aims to highlight the diverse influence of various technologies on student affairs, higher education institutions, and most crucially, university student experiences. As technology continues to impact the educational environment, this conference is an opportunity to provide a forum for exploring creative methods, ethical issues, and practical techniques to improve student engagement, holistic development, and learning through innovative use of technologies, QU said in a statement on Monday.
To mark this occasion, QU President Dr. Omar Al Ansari said: "I hope that this conference will be the first step in paving the way for a future where technology serves as a catalyst for change and positive transformation. We must unite to explore, collaborate, and envision the unlimited possibilities that technology holds, as the tremendous advancements in artificial intelligence, metaverse, and cybersecurity are just a few examples that place upon us the responsibility to equip our staff with the skills, knowledge, and behaviors necessary to build their resilience and readiness to continue their mission in educating students and providing the necessary opportunities for their growth and development."
He added that QU has launched several initiatives in this regard, including the establishment of the Digital Learning and Online Education Office, digitization of a number of courses, and prioritization of digitization in our strategic plan, in addition to providing everything necessary to enrich digital skills, enhancing innovation culture, and producing generations capable of dealing with and competing in technology at both local and international levels, as well as meeting the needs of the job market, where technology has become a fundamental driver and significant influencer in its development." (QNA)
