SMCS Hosts Workshop on 'Capacity Building in Online Education in Pakistan' under RAPIDE Erasmus+ Project

January 31, 2025: IBA-SMCS hosted a one-day workshop on 'Capacity Building in Online Education in Pakistan' under the esteemed RAPIDE Erasmus+ project. The event brought together representatives from HEC and HEIs across Pakistan to explore innovative strategies for online education and the role of AI in academia.

The workshop commenced with a warm welcome address by Dr. Shakeel Khoja, Dean IBA-SMCS, followed by a speech by Guest of Honor, Dr. Asif Ahmed Shaikh, Vice Chancellor, Sukkur IBA University. Dr. Shaikh highlighted the critical importance of collaboration and capacity building in advancing digital education in Pakistan.

The workshop featured insightful sessions, beginning with 'Didactics of E-Learning' by Mr. Waseem Arain, Assistant Professor, IBA-SMCS, who shared best practices for online teaching. 'Managing Large Classrooms in Online Settings' was led by Dr. Tayyaba Tamim, Dean, School of Education and Faculty Lead, Pedagogical Partnership Programme, LUMS; and Dr. Zubair Khalid, Associate Professor, LUMS, who focused on strategies for engaging students in virtual classrooms. 'Assessments in Online Education' was presented by Dr. Sher Muhammad Daudpota, Professor of Computer Science and Director, Postgraduate Studies, Sukkur IBA University, who discussed fair and reliable evaluation methods for digital platforms. Ms. Sana Khalid, Head of SABAQ, shared valuable insights into Pakistan's EdTech landscape, highlighting challenges and opportunities for EdTech implementation.

A key highlight was the panel discussion on the 'Ecosystem of Online Education in Pakistani HEIs,' moderated by Dr. Khoja. The panel featured esteemed experts: Dr. Javed Ahmed and Dr. Daudpota from Sukkur IBA University; Dr. Tamim; Mehwish Jabbar, HEC Representative; Hassan Bin Rizwan, CEO SABAQ and Moonshot Animations.

The event concluded with Dr. Abaidullah Anwar from HEC presenting the 'Online and Distance Learning Policy' outlining actionable steps to expand virtual learning opportunities across Pakistan.

This workshop was an energizing platform for educators, policymakers, and technologists to exchange ideas and work toward an inclusive, innovative digital education ecosystem in Pakistan.