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We explore the impact of blended learning in higher education as as innovative pedagogy integrating problem-based learning and student-centred learning in teaching and learning, during the Covid-19 pandemic. New information technology tools and applications were experimented in teaching and learning at Gulu University between 2020 and 2021 at the peak of the pandemic. The study used qualitative methods and drew on constructivism where knowledge is co-constructed through interacting systems and actors in higher education environment. It is motivating and inspirational to deploy various methods of teaching and learning during the lockdowns. Inspiring innovation such as zero-rating, MEET tool and blended learning were used to address gaps in teaching and learning in university programmes. Preferences for blended learning grew even if institutions operate in resource constrained settings. // We used online training workshops to train teachers on basic ICT tools for content development and digitisation of teachers’ teaching and learning materials. Our findings indicate that lecturers progressively develop ICT skills, attitudes, and knowledge and innovative practices to teaching and learning using available free online applications and ICT resources at their disposal. Students’ attendance was low because of lack of access to the internet and ownership of computers for blended learning.

East African universities are confronted with new opportunities and challenges in responding to societal demands while also handling a growing number of students. Thus, they face challenges in offering quality education due to limited learning resources; outdated pedagogical approaches and teaching and learning practices; and inadequate skills in information and communication technology (ICT). This study is part of an effort to transform university education towards better responding to these educational challenges by providing insights into the existing traditions, practices and resources. The research is an explorative qualitative investigation of students' study practices, emphasising the role and use of ICT: How do students employ ICT in their study practices and what challenges do they face in doing so? The investigation is based on activity theory and the idea that an activity analytically may be divided into three levels: the overall motive, specific goals and the conditions for achieving these goals. This hierarchical structure inspired the data collection approach. Three workshops were conducted with 11 students from three different programmes: computer science (BSc + MSc), business and development studies (BA) and education (BA + MA). The workshops focused on (1) tools and spaces, (2) tasks and collaboration, and (3) aims and visions, reflecting the activity hierarchy. Data were generated using photovoice, presentations and discussions based on the students' photos. The paper applies thematic analysis to identify some of the main issues within each level of analysis: the importance of access to WiFi and electricity; smartphones as the most frequently used tools by students. Tasks are primarily curriculum directed, and different forms of productive collaboration are used; students are dedicated to pursuing their professional careers, but personal strategies and care for the community also feature in their overall aims and visions. This study shows that transforming education entails more than developing strategies and implementing new tools; it involves creating insights into existing practices and giving voice to all stakeholders, including students. Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic The pedagogical approach in higher education must change to enhance the employability of university graduates. Implementing change using ICT is rather difficult and requires a systematic and participatory approach. Higher education institutions in the Global South are resource constrained in delivering quality education. What this paper adds An in‐depth understanding of the actual conditions of students' study practices. Practical problems, such as access to WiFi, power and other tools, have an organising impact on students' actual study practices and when and where these practices occur. Using activity theory and photovoice to organise and engage students in providing insights into their study practices. Implications for practice and/or policy Transforming education requires a profound understanding of students' study practices. Access to power and WiFi are basic tools, not add‐ons—that is, not things which are ‘nice to have’ but ‘must‐haves’. The research findings can be used to involve and engage all stakeholders in change processes.

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Who would have thought that, when the first call for papers for our event was published in the summer of 2019, we would meet in a very differently looking world two years afterwards? The Corona pandemic has challenged the educational world. PBL practitioners and researchers alike were called upon to bring forward their knowledge, experience and creativity in designing and implementing solutions to digitally supported pedagogies.In a way, the PBL and active learning community has held huge resources here -a deep understanding of the cognitive, motivational, emotional and social implications of the learning process. Extensive experience with the orchestration of self-directed and student-centered approaches as well as a long-standing engagement in exploration and enrichment of learning scenarios by digital possibilities. However, the challenges have been considerable as well: how do we maintain engagement amongst students in a time of physical and therefore also social distancing? How do we create places and spaces for group work and meaningful interaction in the digital sphere? And not to forget, how do we keep the relationships alive between the university-ecosystem and the rest of the world, in which the problems our students are working on have their arena?The PBL2021 International Conference is intended as a space and place to bring together PBL practitioners and researchers to share our insights and experiences around the powerful approaches of PBL and Active Learning. Under the conference title Transforming PBL Through Hybrid Learning Models we want to invite all participants to share, watch, listen to, discuss and engage with the insights and experiences from both the Corona-period and from PBL and active learning practices in general. With three outstanding keynotes and almost 100 contributions in various formats we hope the conference will provide a rich (digital) environment for this. The proceedings certainly are a testament to the richness and breadth of the topics and insights the PBL and Active Learning community has to share. The conference would not have been possible without the willingness to collaborate with us. We would like to express our gratitude to the PAN-PBL Association of PBL and Active Learning for entrusting us with the hosting of the 11th conference in the successful conference series, and for being excellent collaboration partners throughout this journey. Difficult decisions, such as the postponement of the conference, had to be made and we were extremely glad to have the PAN-PBL board with us on these decisions at all times.