American University of Beirut

Connected learning is one of the fastest growing trends in tertiary education today. The demand for tertiary education globally presents a pressing need to explore innovative ways of responding to such a demand. Institutions of tertiary education in Lebanon began offering connected learning in varied modes and modalities, for both Lebanese as well as Syrian refugees hosted in the country. The growing Syrian refugee population includes a large number of university-aged youth who have fled their homes and studies in Syria and are struggling to continue their education in the host countries in which they seek asylum (King, 2014). Connected learning has emerged as one of the modern approaches within the scope of the provision of education, not limited to refugees and displaced youth. This report identifies connected learning programs in Lebanon, highlighting ones that facilitate Syrian refugees’ access to tertiary education. The report maps the practices of connected learning programs, the challenges encountered within these programs, and the opportunities made available through such initiatives.​