Irbid, Oct. 28 (Petra) -- Yarmouk University hosted the closing conference of the "Remote and Virtual Laboratories for Teaching and Training Engineering Students" project, a European Union–funded initiative under the Erasmus+ program that aims to enhance engineering education across the Southern Mediterranean and Sub-Saharan Africa through digital and remote learning technologies.

Speaking at the event, EU Ambassador to Jordan Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas said the project reflects the European Union’s vision for innovation-driven, technology-enabled higher education. He noted that by integrating digital laboratories into university curricula, the initiative equips students with modern technical competencies, fosters sustainable development, and strengthens international academic partnerships.

The ambassador commended Yarmouk University for leading the project in collaboration with 15 partner institutions from Jordan, Morocco, Lebanon, Tanzania, Spain, and Germany, describing it as one of Erasmus+’s most impactful and well-resourced projects in the region. He also highlighted that Jordan remains among the leading beneficiaries of Erasmus+, with 600 to 800 students and academics participating annually in exchange and mobility programs with European universities.

Dr. Ruba Al-Batayneh, Vice President of Yarmouk University, emphasized that the project represents a pioneering educational model connecting universities from Europe, the Mediterranean, and Africa. She said the initiative has made engineering education more flexible, inclusive, and digitally integrated, allowing students to gain hands-on experience through virtual and remote laboratory platforms.

Dr. Al-Batayneh added that Yarmouk University’s contributions included the development of state-of-the-art remote laboratories, the design of home-based experiments, and the training of academic staff to improve teaching methodologies. She underscored the importance of sustaining these innovations and expanding their application to other higher education institutions across the region.

Project Director Dr. Mowaffaq Al-Atoom from the Hijjawi Faculty for Engineering Technology presented an overview of the project’s outcomes since its launch in January 2023, noting that it will conclude in December 2025. The project established five remote laboratories and seven home-based labs, benefiting more than 8,000 students and 400 faculty and administrative staff. It also included over 100 training workshops and the creation of digital learning materials designed to enhance the student learning experience.

The two-day conference featured scientific and technical sessions reviewing university experiences in implementing remote and home laboratories, addressing technical challenges, and sharing best practices. It also included presentations by students and faculty, as well as a panel discussion titled "Sustainability and the Future of Remote and Home Laboratories in Engineering Education," with participation from partner universities, industry representatives, and EU officials.

The event marked a milestone in Jordan’s higher education innovation agenda, positioning Yarmouk University as a regional leader in digital engineering education and a key partner in advancing academic modernization and international cooperation.

//Petra// RZ

28/10/2025 10:54:39