THE Covid-19 pandemic has turned the world upside down, affecting various sectors and introducing some new trends. The education sector in Pakistan, which was already in doldrums, shook severely due to the surge in coronavirus cases.

Like other countries, Pakistan embraced the change and shifted its regular classes in educational institutions to online platforms. There were, and still are, many hurdles in the transition to online learning, but the system is coping with it slowly and gradually.

However, administering fair and transparent examinations online remains a daunting task. The Higher Education Commission (HEC) and universities have no proper mechanism to conduct secure and supervised examinations online that may curb cheating.

If Covid-19 has taught me one particular thing, it is that there should be a proper digital educational infrastructure to teach and take quiz, tests, assignments and examinations online.

The relevant ministry should seriously consider digitising the education system and facilitating proper infrastructure for online learning and evaluation system if Pakistan wishes to stay afloat during and after the pandemic.

Warda Tariq

Rawalpindi

Published in Dawn, January 23rd, 2021