Global Learning Reimagined: Insights from MIT Jameel World Education Week
In a move to remain at the forefront of innovation in higher education, NUST made its mark at the recent Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Jameel World Education Lab (J-WEL) Week, held in Boston, USA. Project Manager Helena Imene, joined academics from around the world to explore new ideas in teaching, research, and entrepreneurship.
Strategic Partnerships
Imene’s participation was made possible through NUST’s membership in the Technological Higher Education Network South Africa (THENSA), which partners closely with MIT J-WEL to promote cutting-edge educational practices and institutional transformation.
“This membership provides a plethora of opportunities to accelerate practical, relevant ideas and know-how. The programmes enable members from around the world to work through
educational challenges and deliver actionable solutions alongside MIT faculty, staff, and fellow members,” remarked Prof Colin Stanley, the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research, Innovation and Partnerships.
Real-World Impact
Over the course of the week, participants got a closer look at MIT’s strategies for active learning, digital transformation, and turning research into real-world impact. A recurring theme was the need for agile, future-focused systems that empower both students and educators to innovate in and beyond the classroom.
“The aim was to gain insight into how MIT delivers quality curricula and fosters innovation at every level. Their integration of digital tools, cross-disciplinary learning, and entrepreneurial support is both inspiring and practical,” she said.
She noted that it is important to increase the participation in paid seminars under the THENSA–J-WEL partnership among NUST staff. To help bridge that gap, Helena plans to share key learnings through internal briefings and knowledge-exchange sessions with academic departments. She is determined to ensure that these global insights do not just stay on paper, but further shape how we teach, research, and innovate at NUST.
