By Komal Najeb
In recent years, online education has emerged as a vital tool for transforming the educational landscape in Pakistan. With a vast population and limited access to quality education, commonly known as EdTech, the learning experience has revolutionized. This article explores the significance of online education in Pakistan, shedding light on the prevailing issues in the traditional education system and how EdTech is positively changing students’ lives.
Pakistan faces numerous challenges in its traditional education system, which hinder access to quality education for many students. A significant portion of the Pakistani population, particularly those residing in remote areas, lacks access to schools and colleges. The physical distance and lack of infrastructure prevent students from pursuing their education. Additionally, there needs to be more qualified teachers in Pakistan, particularly in rural areas. The teacher-student ratio needs to improve the quality of attention and support for students. Also, gender disparity remains a significant concern in Pakistan’s education system. Cultural norms, societal pressures, and security concerns discourage many girls from attending schools, resulting in a stark gender gap in educational attainment. These traditional educational institutions often need help to keep up with rapidly evolving industry demands. Outdated curricula limit students’ exposure to modern skills and knowledge necessary for their future careers.
Moreover, online education, driven by technological advancements, is playing a pivotal role in overcoming the challenges faced by Pakistan’s education system. Here’s how EdTech is transforming lives:
Online education platforms have made education accessible to students regardless of location. Through virtual classrooms, students can access quality education from experienced teachers, even in remote areas where schools are scarce. EdTech allows for personalized learning experiences tailored to individual students’ needs. Adaptive learning algorithms and interactive content enable students to learn independently, enhancing their understanding and retention of concepts. Online education platforms are helping bridge the gender gap by providing girls with a safe and convenient learning environment. Through online platforms, girls can access education without the barriers posed by societal norms or security concerns. Online education offers flexibility regarding time and location, allowing students to balance their education with other responsibilities. This is particularly beneficial for working professionals, individuals with disabilities, or those unable to attend traditional classrooms regularly.
Online education often comes at a lower cost compared to traditional education. By eliminating the need for physical infrastructure and reducing logistical expenses, EdTech makes education more affordable and accessible to a wider population. Furthermore, from 2020 onward, the rapid rise in COVID-19 cases has affected the entire world greatly. This pandemic has changed and affected many things, be it any sector, business, or academia. Regarding the education sector, due to COVID-19, schools have shut down worldwide. This means that over 1.2 billion children globally are out of the classroom. According to research, online learning has shown increased retention of information and has been time-efficient at the same time. This indicates that the changes made due to the pandemic might be helpful to the students.
Although the ratio of COVID-19 cases is at different points in different countries, over 1.2 billion children in 186 countries have been affected by school closures immensely. When COVID-19 struck the entire world, there was a high rise in educational technology, with global tech investments reaching US$ 18.66 billion in 2019. The online education market was predicted to reach US$350 billion by 2025. The shift to online learning – with little or no training, less preparation, and insufficient bandwidth – will result in a poor user experience restricted to educational growth. In contrast, others believe that online learning will benefit children and should remain in practice for the long term.
In conclusion, online programs provide technology-based instructional environments that enhance learning opportunities, providing top-quality education through different modalities and features. The best universities in the world have found that online programs are imperative for accessing better education.
The writer is a BS English student in the University of Swat. She can be reached though her email: momal9755@gmail.com
