Atif Ali
In just a month of my university life, whispers of a virus in China reached our campus, soon to be known worldwide as the dreaded Corona virus (Covid-19). Little did I know that this unwelcome visitor would not only shut down our universities but also expose the cracks in our educational system?
As a graduate student caught in the tumult of the pandemic’s grip on Pakistan, I found myself thrust into a brave new world—one reshaped by the far-reaching impacts of the crisis. While the pandemic wrought changes across economic and social spheres, it was perhaps in the field of education that its effects were most deeply felt. As developed countries seamlessly transitioned to online learning, my own country struggled to adapt, revealing critical inadequacies in our educational infrastructure.
One glaring example of this disparity was evident in my university professors. Unfamiliar with tools like Google Classroom, Zoom, and MS Teams etc, they grappled with the challenges of digital education. Instances of students muting each other during online classes left many educators perplexed, exposing the gaping digital divide that existed in our institutions. Some resorted to sending audio lectures via WhatsApp, underscoring the makeshift and unprepared nature of the transition.
The introduction of online systems was a seismic shift for us. My first semester, abruptly shifted online after just a month of in-person classes, was a stark adjustment. The subsequent hybrid system, blending online and in-person teaching, highlighted disparities in educators’ preparedness. While a few adept professors efficiently utilized online quizzes and assignment submission tools, many struggled to address students’ evolving tactics, particularly in preventing cheating during exams.
Remarkably, it was during the last semester, in a predominantly online setup that my learning experience truly flourished. The two or three professors with a keen understanding of online teaching methods paved the way for engaging and effective education. However, this was a rarity, and the overall adaptation to online learning at all educational levels has been less than satisfactory.
A grievous consequence of this unpreparedness was the arbitrary promotion of students without adequate assessments. Brilliant minds received unfair grades, while some opted for additional years to improve their standings. The less privileged, unable to afford additional years of study, were forced to abandon their educational pursuits. The credibility of traditional teachers and university professors was laid bare due to a lack of training in digital pedagogy.
In contrast to Pakistan, developed countries demonstrated a higher level of preparedness for the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly in the realm of online education. An illustrative example of this preparedness is the approach taken towards O-A level students, who underwent examinations conducted with a robust online infrastructure. The implementation of strict surveillance through cameras ensured the integrity of the examination process, addressing concerns related to cheating and malpractice.
This stark contrast highlights the disparity in the level of readiness and adaptability between education systems in developed countries and Pakistan during the pandemic. The emphasis on maintaining examination integrity and upholding educational standards in developed nations contributed to a more seamless transition to online learning, ensuring that students’ academic progress was assessed rigorously and fairly.
To avoid a repeat of this educational crisis, we urgently need to address these issues. Adequate training for educators in digital teaching methods is paramount. Simultaneously, students must be equipped with the necessary skills for digital learning. The government must establish a robust mechanism to ensure that online education is accessible and beneficial to every student, regardless of their socio-economic background.
The road to an effective digital education system is challenging, but it is a journey we must embark on collectively. The lessons learned during the pandemic underscore the urgency of investing in our education system’s resilience, ensuring that it can withstand the uncertainties of the future. Only through concerted efforts, comprehensive training, and a commitment to technological integration can we hope to create an educational landscape that empowers every student and prepares them for the challenges that lie ahead. The writer is a social media activist and can
