Research Supports Free IEEE Humanitarian Technology Learning Modules
In 2025, we had the privilege of working with IEEE Humanitarian Technologies to update and expand a set of open-source learning modules focused on humanitarian engineering. This effort was led by MS student, Arooj Masood (graduated May 2025), who undertook a careful review of prior content and worked to align the materials with recent research and evolving best practices in the field.
Six modules on Humanitarian Technology and Technology for Impact are available now for free on the IEEE Learning Network:
Module 1: Introduction to Technology for Impact
Module 2: Foundations of Humanitarian Technology
Module 3: Community Engagement
Module 4: Monitoring and Evaluation
Module 5: Bringing it All Together
The goal was to thoughtfully strengthen and modernize the previous set of Humanitarian Technology learning modules. Arooj conducted a comprehensive literature review and synthesized contemporary perspectives on sustainable development and technology-for-impact approaches. The updated modules now include a brief history of sustainable development, an overview of frameworks for responsible technology deployment, and an introduction to design justice as a lens for more equitable innovation.
We also expanded the sections on human-centered design practice and community engagement, grounding them in current scholarship and practical guidance for real-world application. Additional content focuses on principles for meaningful community engagement and monitoring and evaluation (M&E), emphasizing the importance of accountability, learning, and long-term impact in humanitarian contexts.
Open educational resources play an important role in shaping how engineers approach complex social challenges, and we’re grateful to the IEEE Humanitarian Technologies Board for collaborating with us to update these modules and making them accessible to a global audience.
The learning modules are available on the IEEE Learning Network for free [link].