Learning in the Crossfire: How Tech Kept Schools Going in Lebanon

In the heart of Lebanon, the fall of 2024 and 2025 brought a unique challenge to education. War disrupted traditional schooling, pushing educators to find new ways to keep students learning. This is where e-learning stepped in. It offered a flexible and scalable solution, using new technologies to deliver education despite the chaos. E-learning isn't new. It's been around for a while, helping schools reach more students in more places. But using it during a war? That's a different story. The ministry of education and higher education in Lebanon saw the potential. They called for learning to continue, and e-learning was the answer. It was a lifeline, keeping education afloat in turbulent times. But does e-learning really work in a war zone? That's the big question. Plenty of studies have looked at e-learning in peaceful times. But wartime? That's a different ball game. The Delone and McLean IS model is a popular way to measure the success of information systems. This study wanted to see if it could also measure the success of e-learning in Lebanon's higher education during the war. The model looks at several factors. It checks if the system is easy to use, if it's reliable, and if it helps students learn. It also sees if students are happy with it and if it's worth the investment. But applying this model in a war zone? That's a tough ask. The risks are high, and the challenges are many. Yet, it's crucial to understand if e-learning can truly deliver in such extreme conditions. So, can e-learning succeed in a war zone? The answer isn't simple. It depends on many things. The technology, the teachers, the students, and the situation on the ground. But one thing is clear. E-learning has a big role to play in keeping education going, even in the toughest times. It's not just about convenience. It's about resilience. It's about finding a way to learn, no matter what.