Experts call for post-Covid education policy

Highlight expanding online learning, connectivity issues

A new education policy is needed in step with the changing trends after the novel coronavirus pandemic increased the importance of distance learning.

Experts at Virtual Education Conference organized by the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) highlighted the key challenges of novel coronavirus pandemic in the education sector at the Chamber House on Tuesday.

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According to a RCCI statement, Higher Education Commission (HEC) Chairman Dr Tariq Banuri in his video link address highlighted the key initiatives of HEC to address the challenges and disruption due to Covid-19.

"At least 47,000 faculty members have been trained to provide education through virtual platforms," he added.

Ministry of Information Technology Secretary Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui said his ministry has taken key initiatives to address the challenge of connectivity, especially Universal Access and Service for far off and mountainous areas, he said.

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Earlier, RCCI President Mohammad Nasir Mirza said a new education policy has to be brought forward in order to meet the challenges facing the education sector in the post-pandemic scenario,.

"Computers, laptops have become a necessity not only for university students but also for school children,” he said adding there is a need to bring awareness about smart education, e-learning.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 13th, 2021.