Come_IN computer clubs are a well-established approach to foster learning, social networks and integration in German neighborhoods with a high percentage of migrant population. We have transferred this concept to a different part of the world: a Palestinian refugee camp. Similar to the German neighborhoods we deal with, refugee camps are also the result of migration moves; however, in this casean enforced one. This paper describes the come_IN approach and investigates its adaptation to a Palestinian refugee camp. Obviously it exhibits fundamental cultural, social, and political dissimilarities from the German setting. Refugees living in camps have to deal with a number of local living and subsistence challenges, as well as having to tackle mounting critical issues related to their refugee status. Here we describe the first three years of activities and experiences.
Come_IN computer clubs are an established approach to support inter-cultural and inter-generational learning in German neighborhoods. We explore the adaptation of the come_IN concept to the Palestinian context as a means to bridge the social and economic divide that has plagued West Bank society for a period of more than six decades. Social exclusion, political conflicts and prolonged military occupation have kept the refugee camps in a perpetual state of marginalization. In this paper we report on our work in Al Amari-a Palestinian refugee camp adjacent to the city of Ramallah. We examine how the computer club enables the emergence of social ties among residents of the camp and university students acting as tutors. Even though the ties are small-scale and informal, they have the potential to generate new and wider opportunities for exchange that may eventually support more social integration between the camp's marginalized population and the wider Palestinian population.
We analyze practices of political activists in a Palestinian village located in the West Bank, who organize weekly demonstrations against Israel's settlement policy and the separation wall. Over a period of 28 months, we conducted a field study consisting of eight days 'on the ground' observation and interviewing, and extensive monitoring of Internet communication. We describe the activists' background and their efforts to organize these demonstrations under conditions of military occupation. Over time, we observe the role both digital and material factors play in the organization of protest.
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The COVID-19 crises forced and accelerated digital transformation in higher education institutions. Acceptance of the adoption of digital technologies in those institutions as well as their digital and educational readiness and resilience are important key success factors for this transformation. The objective of this study was to explore challenges, attitudes, opportunities and lessons learned of digital transformation in times of crises at the university level from faculty members’ and students’ perspectives. The study used Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) as a theoretical framework. In order to achieve the objective of the study a qualitative method was used. A total of 14 focus group interviews with 62 faculty members and 37 students were conducted in a mid-size university in Palestine. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data gathered from the focus group sessions. Results revealed many challenges toward digital transformation including technical and pedagogical infrastructure, social conditions, ease of use of software, digital pedagogy and online assessment. There are positive attitudes towards the availability of online resources and digitizing theoretical courses. However, students and faculty members still feel that they are not prepared enough for online education and expressed negative attitudes when digitizing practical courses. In order to achieve effective online teaching and learning, good preparation is a must for both students and lecturers which is not followed in actual delivery. Results also revealed several opportunities and benefits of digital transformation, namely, flexibility and the opportunity to develop new technical and educational skills. Researchers recommend carrying out this study in other universities and within different social and cultural contexts and applying mixed approach methodology for validating emerged results.
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