By Muhammad
Asim Siddiqi
Education is the most integral need for developing countries. The outbreak of corona virus has poorly impact the education system globally. Third world countries were not ready for this kind of situation. Structural defects and learning crises affected the educational system in Pakistan before the corona virus outbreak. COVID-19 has increased educational disparities from past one year in Pakistan, affecting girls in more remote and poorer regions. The unprecedented closures to school however have further diluted the efforts of the country to build productive human capital. In Pakistan between 5 to 16 years of age, school closures affected 55.3 million children. Moreover, there are already 22.8 million children out of school. 53% (13.4 million) of these are girls. Pakistan ranks 134 of 157 countries in the Human Capital Index in terms of quality of education. The report highlights the effects of the pandemic on household finances and the potential to prevent even more girls from completing their education in this economic crisis. Girls also had tougher access to devices during the initial lockdown and distance learning. The risk and vulnerabilities of a weak education system have been increased by the pandemic.
A major challenge for many students was lack of facilities and internet infrastructure to support online learning. In particular, university students had problems with online lectures because of their poor Internet connection and their livelihood in remote areas. They stayed at home and teachers were asked to take online lectures on software like zoom, Microsoft teams, etc. It was a challenge not only for students, but also for teachers, because they also had internet problems in their native towns. The e-learning system is also not much effective in the region. During the lockdown, the government mostly relied on television, radio, and e-learning, according to the study, the majority of students surveyed did not have access to these mediums. Just 3% of girls and boys said they listened to educational radio and only 20% said they watched educational television.
In this modern era the world is going digitally. The crisis situation raised questions about the global value offered by schools. The importance of online education and schooling has been understood by parents around the world. Various people began to argue that home schooling can offer many students and parent the best solution. The concept of home-schooling can be convenient, innovative and socio-economic. However, literacy rates can be a major challenge to home education in societies such as Pakistan. In order to remain relevant, educational institutions need to reinvent or innovate the learning environment. Online training became a global norm at every level of education, raising the concerns for digital media literature through this new shift in education. Where students, teachers and parents have to be more skilled and learned in the use of technology for education.
The absence of digital media literacy in Pakistan seems to be a huge gap and a significant challenge especially for parents who want their young children’s to use digital devices for education, but do not know about the use, impact and challenges of digital devices. The importance of using digital devices for education purposes must be developed and understood in a society in which girls are discouraged from using or maintaining smart devices or computers or using the Internet.
Physical examination is another hurdle for the government. The third wave of the pandemic is getting much serious and according to the reports young individual is getting more affected by this global pandemic. Many social activists have raised their voices against the physical examination but minister for education have ensured that no one will be promoted this year. This notion of physical examination can be dangerous and lethal for the children’s. Education ministry still needs to think about this option which can have worse impact on the society.
We discussed the challenges of education and examination for students in Pakistani society, but with the passage of time, many new challenges have emerged as major challenge for women students, like digital devices for educational purposes. Some imminent questions such as whether the parents are permitting them to use mobile phones or computers should be answered? Will parents allow them to use web-enabled devices, and Whatsaap especially? Will parents allow their young children to choose online education?
–The writer is a freelance journalist based in Islamabad
