The Reality of Integrating Digital Transformation Applications and Their Impact on Al-Aqsa University Students’ Achievement from Their Perspective Amid the War on the Gaza Strip

Abstract

This study aims to examine the reality of integrating digital transformation applications (Moodle, YouTube, WhatsApp) into the course “Design and Production of Instructional Materials” and to measure their impact on the academic achievement of Al-Aqsa University students amid the war on the Gaza Strip, which has imposed unprecedented challenges on the continuity of the educational process. The significance of this study lies in highlighting the experience of digital learning within an exceptional Palestinian context affected by war and blockade, making it of both scientific and practical value in the field of higher education.The study adopted the descriptive-analytical and quasi-experimental approach, using a pre–post design with two research tools: a questionnaire to measure the reality and effectiveness of application integration, and an achievement test to assess students’ academic performance. The sample consisted of 34 female students from the Department of Educational Sciences at Al-Aqsa Community College, who were purposively selected, as they were the actual enrollees in the target course during the 2024/2025 academic year.The findings of the questionnaire revealed an increase in post-test mean scores compared to the pre-test, reflecting a noticeable improvement in students’ evaluation of the effectiveness of digital applications in facilitating access to content, enhancing interaction, and supporting self-learning. The results of the achievement test also indicated statistically significant differences in favor of the post-test, as students’ scores improved considerably after the experiment, confirming the positive impact of integrating these applications on their knowledge acquisition.In light of these findings, the study recommends strengthening the integration of digital transformation applications in the design and delivery of university courses, training faculty members on their effective use, and preparing a flexible digital learning environment that ensures continuity and quality of education, particularly in times of emergencies and crises.