Investigating Smart Universities, Internationalization, and Critical Thinking in Moroccan Higher Education: Implications for Marginalized Communities
摘要
This study examines the effects of smart universities and internationalization projects on marginalized communities, student employability, and social change in Morocco. A mixed-methods approach was used to investigate these scenarios, which included quantitative analysis of questionnaire data and qualitative investigation of participant responses. The findings suggest a positive outlook for internationalization in higher education, with participants acknowledging its potential to alleviate challenges faced by marginalized groups and enhance students’ employment opportunities. Furthermore, English competence has been recognized as addressing local and global issues, promoting social change, and creating employment opportunities. Additionally, the study emphasizes the enabling role of digital universities in promoting equity and inclusivity in higher education, especially in underprivileged communities. The findings underline the importance of integrating digital literacy, innovation, and cross-cultural abilities into higher education programs. Furthermore, this paper recommends further research to enhance our understanding of the effects of internationalization on logical reasoning, social exclusion, environmental and socioeconomic issues, and employer perspectives. Overall, the present research contributes to a deeper understanding of the effects of internationalization in higher education on Moroccan communities and individuals’ future aspirations.