The Maldives National University (MNU) has successfully commenced the implementation phase of the Education 5.0 – Digital Transformation of Higher Education Training Programme, marking a significant milestone in the DIGITAsia Project's Work Package 2 (WP2): Skilling-Up for Education 5.0.
The programme aims to strengthen the capacity of higher education educators to design and deliver inclusive, technology-enhanced learning experiences aligned with the principles of Education 5.0. As part of the initiative, 24 lecturers from diverse academic disciplines, including Social Sciences, Health and Medicine, STEM, and Education, participated in a comprehensive professional development journey focused on digital transformation in teaching and learning.
Prior to implementation, participants completed a self-paced online training programme comprising four modules developed under WP2. The modules focused on effective technology integration, learner-centred pedagogical approaches, and the application of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to create more accessible and engaging learning environments.
Following the completion of the training modules, participants undertook a capstone project requiring them to redesign an existing course or module by incorporating UDL principles and technology-enhanced learning strategies. Throughout the redesign process, participants received continuous support through both online and face-to-face mentoring sessions facilitated by a team of trained facilitators.
The facilitation team included Dr. Ali Fawaz Shareef, Dr. Aminath Waseela, Dr. Aminath Shiyama, Dr. Ramiz Ali, Ms. Roza Ibrahim, Ms. Fathimath Nasiha Abdul Muhaimin, Ms. Aminath Zifna, and Mr. Ibrahim Adam, who guided participants in translating the concepts learned during training into practical course redesigns.
A key component of the implementation phase was the organisation of the Capstone Workshop at MNU, where participants presented and refined their redesigned courses. The workshop provided an opportunity for peer feedback, reflection, and quality enhancement before the courses were deployed for student learning.
As a result of the programme, a total of 24 redesigned subjects were developed and implemented in Moodle for delivery during Term 1, 2026 (February–June), supporting approximately 14 weeks of learning activities. The redesigned courses integrate technology-enhanced teaching practices and UDL principles to improve accessibility, engagement, and learning outcomes for students.
To evaluate the impact of the initiative, student feedback will be collected at the end of the semester, with an expected participation of approximately 155 students. The findings will contribute to assessing the effectiveness of the redesigned courses and inform future scaling of Education 5.0 practices across higher education institutions.
The implementation of the Education 5.0 Training Programme and the Capstone Workshop represents an important achievement for MNU and the DIGITAsia Project, demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing inclusive, innovative, and digitally transformed higher education in the Maldives.