Societies are getting more diverse, with social issues increasing, necessitating the need to intensify efforts to promote tolerance and respect for diversity. In this study, we report the approach employed to redesign and evaluate a general education course to enhance students’ knowledge of tolerance and respect for diversity, drawing on Islamic values in the United Arab Emirates. In collecting and analyzing data for the study, we adopted a qualitative approach to explore students’ nuanced and reflective understanding and application of the key concepts taught in the course. We retrieved and thematically analyzed 40 transcripts from sixty-nine students’ reflective assignments. Our results indicate that students see the education process based on Islamic principles as a socialization means for shaping human life, caring for others, demonstrating compassion, and sharing knowledge, as essential to fostering tolerance. Drawing on our findings, we recommend carefully redesigning courses to strengthen students’ knowledge of tolerance and respect for diversity using the authentic learning approach. This includes engaging them in activities to link class tasks to real-life contexts, providing them with safe learning spaces, and encouraging them to learn with peers from different backgrounds.

Social computing software and online tools are gaining credence in teaching and learning spaces, including higher education contexts. However, the adoption of social computing software does not automatically translate into effective teaching and learning if students’ views and needs are not considered along with course learning outcomes. Thus, this study was conducted to explore students’ perspectives and preferences for social computing software and online tools in a university elective course. We employed quantitative and qualitative approaches to understand students’ shared and nuanced thoughts about social computing applications in the study. A questionnaire with quantitative and open-ended qualitative questions was used to collect data. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and an inductive thematic analysis approach. Our findings indicated mixed students’ viewpoints, with some tools reported as highly beneficial while others were less beneficial. For instance, students valued asynchronous sessions, assignment feedback, online discussion, videos, and gamification but reported less interest in phones, journals, icons, and blogs. Students’ specializations also appeared to influence their choice of tools. Those from Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences expressed a slightly different preference than their comparts from Medicine and Health Sciences. Drawing on the findings, we discuss the implications for effective teaching and learning using social computing software, focusing on essential stakeholders. For instance, instructors must regularly conduct diagnostic feedback to determine appropriate tools that can effectively customize students’ learning.

The plight of migrants and the need to foster their integration into diverse societies are of concern to global communities, governments, and charitable organizations. This study explored the roles of philanthropic organizations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in demonstrating solidarity towards migrants, exploring the multifaceted dimensions of compassion and support rooted in diverse religious principles. The study adopted a qualitative approach guided by the interpretivist paradigm when collecting and analyzing data. From its findings, the study highlights the integral role they play in addressing the complex needs of migrant communities. For instance, they provide food and financial support in clearing hospitals, tuition, and rent bills. In addition, the findings show that the organizations identify migrants in need through their open-door policy, encouraging those in need of support to contact them directly, with collaboration also being essential for the effectiveness of their services. By affirming the positive contributions of religious charities, this study underscores their role in promoting the well-being and social cohesion of migrants, ultimately exemplifying a shared commitment to humanitarian values and reinstating faith in the collective capacity for compassion and solidarity.