Virtual Conference 2020

COVID-19 Changes the Rules of the Game in Education: Reconnecting Virtually 

Organized by: 
The National Center for Educational Development (NCED) – College of Education – Qatar University 

Date and Platform: 
November 14, 2020 – via WebEx 

Conference Concept 

The virtual conference was organized in response to the urgent need to exchange experiences, share success stories, and present innovative solutions to the unprecedented challenges imposed on the educational sector by the COVID-19 pandemic. 
It sought to build a culture of preparedness for future emergencies, document human efforts in adapting to change, and highlight the resilience of educational systems in rapidly evolving contexts. 

Overview 

Held by the National Center for Educational Development at Qatar University’s College of Education, the 2020 Virtual International Conference brought together approximately 3,500 educators, researchers, and educational professionals from more than 10 countries. 
A total of 75 submissions were accepted, including 61 research papers and 14 interactive workshops, along with keynote speeches and panel discussions featuring experts from Qatar, the United States, Lebanon, and other countries. 
The conference was conducted in Arabic and English, ensuring inclusive participation across linguistic and cultural boundaries. 

Objectives 

• Discuss the challenges faced by educators and decision-makers during the pandemic. 

• Present practical solutions and share successful experiences in crisis education. 

• Promote professional development and adaptability among teachers. 

• Strengthen collaboration and dialogue among educational institutions worldwide. 

• Contribute to shaping the future of education in Qatar and the Arab region. 

Main Themes 

The sessions addressed a range of critical themes: 

• Educational policy in the context of COVID-19 

• Leadership and crisis management 

• Parental involvement in distance learning 

• Teachers’ professional development in unprecedented times 

• Managing virtual learning environments 

• Student motivation and engagement in online education 

• Remote assessment strategies 

• Challenges and inclusion of students with special needs 

• Blended learning practices 

Target Audience and Participants 

The conference was designed for educators, teachers, decision-makers, and educational leaders from schools, universities, and ministries in Qatar and beyond. 

Participants included academics and practitioners from GCC countries, Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, and the Maghreb, highlighting the event’s regional and international dimension. 

Sessions and Activities 

• Opening and two panel sessions featuring international experts. 

• 61 research papers presented by education professionals worldwide. 

• 14 interactive training workshops on digital teaching, professional growth, and innovative pedagogies. 

• Publication of an electronic booklet containing abstracts and the conference schedule. 

Expected Outcomes 

• Documenting and disseminating success stories from the pandemic. 

• Develop actionable recommendations for building crisis-resilient education systems. 

• Establish a regional network of research focused on digital and blended learning. 

• Strengthening NCED’s leadership in educational innovation and professional development. 

Documentation 

An official conference proceedings booklet was published, summarizing the key papers, workshops, and recommendations, and made available through NCED’s official website: Click Here