INFORMATION Technology (IT) is defined as the technology required to develop, maintain and use computer systems, softwares and networks for the processing and distribution of data.
The fact that IT has revolutionised the global education system is an open secret. The use of technology is no more an option for students; it is necessary for their personal and professional advancement.
Though the role of IT in the education sector had already been immense, a true shift towards the need and integration of modern methods in today’s schooling was realised during the Covid pandemic. In large parts of the world where internet connectivity and gadget ownership was not a problem, students continued with the studies in the comfort of their homes via a number of free applications.
During this time, teachers also realised that using supplementary videos and audios profoundly improves the understanding and learning outcomes of a subject among students.
Though virtual learning is by no means a replacement for the social skills honed and acquired during physical and in-person classrooms, where students learn empathy, interpersonal communication and failure management, it is hard to miss the fact that IT now forms the bedrock of education infrastructure.
Improving or reforming the education system is contingent upon the realisation of the importance of modernising our education sector. Sadly, a large number of Pakistani teachers still consider IT as an accessory, a separate subject, or an addition, rather than an integral part of the teaching and learning process.
However, there are also certain limitations. Young students, who are still impressionable, cannot be trusted to constantly use technology without the supervision of their teachers or parents. Another problem is the rise in plagiarism due to easy access to information from all over the world and intellectual laziness brought on by too much reliance on technology.
However, these problems can be easily tackled with some practical solutions.
The government needs to equip schools with the required technology, while also working on changing the mindset of our teachers and education managers to bring the much-needed shift in the current education practices.
In the words of researcher and internationally-acclaimed education consultant Heidi Hayes Jacobs, teachers need to integrate technology seamlessly into the curriculum, “instead of viewing it as an addition, an afterthought, or an event”.
Asim Daud
Abbottabad
LONG MARCH: We can see the boom of long march in all directions these days, making one wonder if elections
are on the horizon. Without debating the good or bad side of the marches and how the poor people are hoodwinked or paid to get involved, the organisers
of this march or that should at least provide the marchers sufficient toilet facilities because they leave their ‘marks’ all along the route of the march.
Shakil Baig
Karachi
ECONOMIC CRISIS: The skyrocketing prices of commodities are affecting one and all. Even the decrease in petrol prices has not resulted in proportionate decrease in the prices of food items. Irresponsible statements by officials and ministers continue to irritate the people just as much as the soaring prices do. The disconnect between the ruling elite and the common man is getting sharper by the day, and it does no one any good.
Imran-ul-Haq
Lahore
LOUDSPEAKERS: In residential areas some people frequently use loudspeakers for all sorts of ceremonies and occasions of both social and religious varieties. When they are asked to lower the sound, they feel offended as if it is their right to use the loudspeakers even if it causes misery to the others. What they seem to ignore is the fact that there might be patients, elders and vulnerable people residing in the area and getting disturbed by the noise. There are certain rules and regulations in this regard, and the relevant authorities should implement them in letter and in spirit.
Khalid Mazhar
Karachi
DANGEROUS CABLES: I live close to Hassan Square where the coils of cables used by the local cable operators and internet service providers can cause an accident without much of a notice.
The repairmen usually come without safety equipment, and in case of installation of new cables, the old ones are left hanging on the poles which is not only a major risk, but also an eye sore.
Nabeeha Zia
Karachi
Published in Dawn, March 4th, 2022