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From Onion Fields to Digital Learning Leadership: Dr. Mahmoud Hawamdeh's Journey to Empowering Marginalized Communities Through Education and Technology
Dr. Mahmoud Hawamdeh is an experienced professional in the fields of digital learning, instructional technology, and digital citizenship. He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Education and Instructional Technology. Currently, Dr. Hawamdeh is the director of the Continuing Education Center at Al-Quds Open University in Palestine. He is responsible for the planning and implementation of various projects and lifelong learning initiatives.
What is your personal/professional story?
Growing up in As Samou, a small town in the Hebron Governorate of Palestine, I experienced firsthand the transformative power of education amidst overwhelming adversity. As one of eleven siblings with a father working as a laborer, hardship was a constant companion. To help support my family, I worked in onion fields, often without a proper place to rest, and sometimes sleeping among the produce. Despite these challenges, my parents instilled in me a profound appreciation for learning, believing that education was the key to overcoming our difficulties. Their unwavering conviction became my guiding force and fueled my determination to succeed and give back to them.
In my early twenties, I pursued a degree in Elementary Education and Psychology. However, due to high unemployment rates in Palestine, I struggled to find a job. My brother, who had established a small company at the Innovation Hub at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, offered me a chance to train in his IT company. This opportunity exposed me to the dynamic world of information technology. Upon returning to Palestine, I joined a software development company, eventually becoming the Director of the Training Center. This role allowed me to merge my passion for education with technology, shaping the future of digital learning in my community.
Throughout my career, the personal hardships I faced have shaped my commitment to enhancing access to education for marginalized communities. I realized that technology could break down barriers and began dedicating my work to expanding digital learning opportunities. My journey culminated in earning a Ph.D. in Computer Education and Instructional Technology, focusing on how digital citizenship can empower future generations.
My personal experiences and passion for education have culminated in my current role as the Director of the Continuing Education Center at Al-Quds Open University, where I continue to drive initiatives that improve access to education. Prior to this, I served as the Director of the Center for Digital Learning, where I focused on leveraging technology to create educational opportunities for those who might otherwise be excluded.
My entry into education technology began after my training in Singapore, leading to my role as Training Manager at Arab Technology Systems (ATS) in Ramallah, where I contributed to its reputation as a leading software company in Palestine.
Following my time at ATS, I became the Head of the Training and Development Department at the Information and Communication Technology Center (ICTC) at Al-Quds Open University. Here, I developed strategic partnerships with ICT industry leaders such as Microsoft IT Academy and Oracle IT Academy, helping the department become a leading ICT training provider in Palestine.
As Director of the Continuing Education Center, I oversee operations and strategic initiatives to meet the educational needs of adult learners and design market-driven training programs. This role involves collaborating with industry partners to develop lifelong learning opportunities and expand the university's reach. Under my leadership, the Center has built partnerships with both local and international institutions, significantly impacting the community.
Simultaneously, as Director of the Center for Digital Learning, I spearheaded the university’s digital learning strategy, collaborating with various departments to deliver high-quality courses through digital platforms. I also focused on building partnerships with national and international organizations to enhance digital learning opportunities, representing the Center in global forums.
Among my notable achievements is leading the Mobile Educational Center project in the South Hebron Governorate. This innovative initiative features a van equipped with computers, books, and e-textbooks, traveling to schools in marginalized areas of Palestine. The center aims to enhance educational experiences and promote values of voluntary work, charity, and teamwork, particularly empowering women and improving their computer skills.
What key moments in your life led you to where you are today?
Several key moments have shaped my career. One significant moment was graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Psychology. Despite my efforts, finding employment was challenging, leading me to travel to Singapore for training. This opportunity changed my career path and marked my entry into the technology sector.
Another key moment was securing my first leadership role as the Director of the Continuing Education Center at Al-Quds Open University. This role enabled me to contribute significantly to the development of the center, resulting in over 50 impactful projects serving the Palestinian community.
My decision to complete a Ph.D. in Computer Education and Instructional Technology was pivotal. It allowed me to integrate my practical experience from working in a software company and as an ICT Training Manager with my academic background in elementary education and educational administration. This unique combination of skills and knowledge enabled me to effectively leverage technology to enhance education. It was this expertise that empowered me to establish the Center for Digital Learning at Al-Quds Open University—the first of its kind in the country.
Where does your passion to serve come from?
My passion for serving others is deeply rooted in my personal experiences and the challenges faced by marginalized communities. Growing up in a region where resources were scarce and educational opportunities were limited, I witnessed firsthand the barriers that prevent many from accessing quality education. This experience fueled my commitment to addressing the digital divide and promoting digital inclusion.
Education was a lifeline for my family, and I saw how it could transform lives even in the face of adversity. I am driven by the desire to ensure that marginalized areas and underserved populations have access to digital learning opportunities.
Through my work, I strive to bridge the digital divide by integrating technology into education, enhancing digital learning, and fostering digital citizenship. By creating inclusive digital environments, I aim to empower individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. My commitment extends to addressing the needs of those who have been historically excluded, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, can benefit from the opportunities that digital education provides.
I am dedicated to using technology as a tool for social change—breaking down barriers and creating pathways for individuals in marginalized communities to succeed. This passion drives my efforts to advance digital inclusion and advocate for the transformative power of digital learning and citizenship.
How can GlobalMindED help you reach your goals?
GlobalMindED’s mission to dismantle educational barriers aligns perfectly with my own work. By collaborating with GlobalMindED, I can further my efforts to promote digital inclusion, particularly in underserved areas. The organization's network and commitment to educational equity offer invaluable resources and support for the initiatives I lead in Palestine. I look forward to contributing to this movement, sharing my expertise, and learning from others to create even more opportunities for learners worldwide.
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