Due to the Coronavirus outbreak in the Pakistan, all educational institutions of the country have been closed since March 16. Seeing, this situation that no physical class is possible, many Hgher Education institutes have started online learning classes.
Students have raised many concerns on these online classes, as they are facing multiple problems in attending these classes. Students have raised their voice on many social media platforms including Twitter. #saynotoonlinelearing, #suspendonlineclasses, #werejectonlineEd have been top trends in the past week.
Over this Higher Education Commission, HEC Pakistan has responded. In a recent tweet by HEC, it says we are aware of problems faced by students. They have taken following measures :
- Students: Universities have been asked to establish committees to address issues faced by their students.
- Learning Management Systems: HEC is helping Universities set up proper systems for online learning. If they do not have a functional system, they have been asked to suspend online classes.
- Quality: Guidelines have been issued to Universities. The VC must personally certify each course and make sure it is “online ready”.
- Taleem Bundle: HEC is working with the mobile operators on a data bundle that will give you internet access to educational resources at a MUCH cheaper rate (yes, your online classes too!). Stay tuned for more info.
Further HEC says, that there are a few things that we’re still figuring out: –
- How can we help students in remote areas?
- What about students that don’t have a laptop/smartphone?
- How can we make data free?
- How will assessments/exams take place?
- What about grades?
- What if the electricity goes out?