The Role of E-Learning in Tertiary Education during the Violent Conflicts in Libya

The civil war in Libya has had negative effects on the educational needs of college and university students. Violent conflicts have inflicted serious damage on the infrastructure of post-secondary education and have imposed numerous challenges to the Libyan Ministry of Higher Education. This qualitative study is based on 45 semi-structured interviews with professors, assistant professors and lecturers. The findings shed light on numerous issues such as the positive role of e-learning in securing the educational needs of Libyan students, protecting them from danger, and keeping them away from the temptation of being recruited by armed groups. In addition to being cost-effective, e-learning has been reported to enhance the students’ computer skills, English language skills, feelings of security, and motivational level. Based on these findings, the researchers propose a theoretical model for the implementation of e-learning in Libyan colleges and universities. The research findings have significant implications for policy makers, higher education experts, students, parents and future researchers. Keywords: Sustainable Learning, e-learning, tertiary education, civil war, violent conflicts.