TOPIC: CHALLENGES IN TEACHING LEARNING IN PAKISTAN

SUBMITTED TO:

DR. MUHAMMAD SAEED

SUBMITTED BY:

KHADIJA NAZEER

SADIA

SUBJECT:

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT

MS (EDUCATION) SEMESTER 1

LAHORE COLLEGE FOR WOMEN UNIVERSITY LAHORE.

 Table of Contents
What is Online Teaching?.....................................................................................................................4
Principles of Online Teaching...............................................................................................................4
Challenges in Online Teaching:..............................................................................................................4
1. Technical issues and Power Outages:.....................................................................................5
2. Lack of Interactions & Engagement:.......................................................................................5
3. Poor Quality Instructions:.......................................................................................................5
4. Distant Learning:.....................................................................................................................5
5. Poor Accreditation:.................................................................................................................5
6. Less Teacher Accountability:...................................................................................................5
7. Increased Cheating Chances:..................................................................................................6
8. Difficulty in Completion of Assignments:................................................................................6
9. Fewer Job opportunity:...........................................................................................................6
10. Lack of students’ Concentration:............................................................................................6
11. Sense of Being Alone:.............................................................................................................7
12. Education For Teachers:.........................................................................................................7
13. Increased Screen Time:..........................................................................................................7
14. Passive Students:...................................................................................................................7
15. Audio Delays:.........................................................................................................................8
16. Time Challenge:......................................................................................................................8
How to overcome these challenges?....................................................................................................8
1. Engage Students Effectively:...................................................................................................8
2. Ensure Active Participation:....................................................................................................8
3. Overcome communication Issues:..........................................................................................8
4. Teacher’s Technical Training:..................................................................................................9
5. Give Gentle Reminders:..........................................................................................................9
6. Participate in Online Networks...............................................................................................9
7. Create a Productive Learning Environment:.........................................................................10
Recommendations:............................................................................................................................10
Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………10

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What is Online Teaching?

E-learning, or online learning, refers to any type of instruction that is provided using
digital technology. These techniques combine text, audio, animations, movies, and visual
graphics. Furthermore, online pedagogy can help with group learning and the support of teachers
in particular professions.

Ratheeswari (2018) asserts that in the digital age, students can acquire and employ the
skills necessary for the 21st century by using information and communications technology (ICT).

Online learning is an alternative pedagogy for the age of technology advancement and
communication, and students in particular need to adapt, claims Pusvyta (2015).

Principles of Online Teaching

The following seven principles should be adhered to by the instructor in order for online
instruction to be successful

 Acknowledge unique variations

 Inspire the student
 Prevent knowledge overload
 Establish a context from real life
 Promote social contact
 Offer practical activities
 Promote student reflection.

Challenges in Online Teaching:

Web-based learning has its share of challenges even as it offers up a wide range of new
opportunities for education. Pakistan must make significant progress in ensuring that every
resident of the nation has access to education by implementing necessary enhancements that will
enable all students in the nation to participate in web-based learning. A few of the challenges that
Pakistani web development currently facing are as follows.

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 1. Technical issues and Power Outages:

Students have is the accessibility of the internet. Even if the amount of time spent on the
internet has increased significantly, maintaining a steady connection at a fast-enough speed can
be challenging in cities and other places. In the unlikely event when teachers or students are
unable to access the network consistently, it becomes the cause of the poor learning process and
low rate of advancement observed in children's education. A mismatch between the technology
available to the school and that which the parents or communities possessed, due to the limited
availability of basic infrastructure. In one school, for example, teachers indicated that during
school closures they developed notes to send to their students via parents through WhatsApp.
While 80–90% of teachers had Android phones, the majority of parents did not. In those cases
where a household did own a phone, it was mostly either a basic or feature phone. In Pakistan,
excessive and irregular power outages make disturbance in online teaching learning process.
(Blackley & Sheffield, 2015).

2. Unequal Access & Poor-Quality Instructions:

The extent to which learners in Pakistan have unequal access to educational technology
depends on a variety of criteria, including their grade level, kind of institution, and location.
Certain online courses might not provide students with the same high-quality lectures or
illustrations as those offered offline. This usually fails to provide engaging materials when they
discover that students can access it at any time and from any location.

3. Government Sector is not well integrated in different entities:

In particular, in response to the nation's expanding needs and growth for digital
technology, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications (MoITT) and the
Government of Pakistan developed the Digital Pakistan Policy in 2018. Several MoITT-
supported initiatives are built upon this policy. A government spokesperson stated that while the
MoITT is currently required to offer e-governance services to all federal government ministries
and departments, the Ministry of Education would have been a valuable source of input for the

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MoITT's learning management plan and EdTech strategy, which were developed during the
Covid-19 pandemic. (MoITT, 2018).

4. Lacking Teachers’ Technical Proficiency:

Lack of experience with technology, particularly among teachers in Pakistan, appears to

be the root cause of teachers' aversion to adopting it and, consequently, altering their methods of
instruction. Teachers need to have a basic understanding of how to use computer-based methods
to learn how to teach online. However, this isn't usually the case. They typically lack the modern
tools and equipment necessary to readily engage in internet-based learning. In order to address
this issue, educational institutions need to furnish teachers with cutting-edge specialized training
so they can confidently administer online assessments. (Cazan & Indreica, 2014).

5. Concerns over the utilization of digital learning tools among parents.

In Pakistan, there is negative attitude of parents regarding the use of technology in school.
Their concept is if they allow their kids access to their Android phones that they might be
misused. Instead of considering it a tool that can aid in education, parents thought that allowing
their kids to use phones is a form of indulgence. In Pakistan technology is perceived as a means
by kids would use for entertainment instead of learning materials. (Zuberi, et,al, 2022)

Parental worries that forbid kids from accessing digital content may be addressed by
educating parents about the advantages of educational resources.

6. Online Content Does not satisfy Students’ Curriculum Needs:

Principals, instructors, or parents may oppose digital learning alternatives, even in cases
where they do match the curriculum exactly. This can be the result of a perceived curriculum
mismatch, which adds "more work" for some users. For instance, the SABAQ application
conforms to the national curriculum. However, when parents and kids launch the app, they
are unable to see how it aligns with the assigned homework or the school's textbooks.
Likewise, the app was perceived as "adding" to rather than "complementing" teachers'
workloads at the school level. (Zuberi, et,al, 2022)

7. Lack of Interactions & Engagement & Poor Accreditation:

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 Although live chat is taken into consideration by schools as a practical way to enhance
the lessons, not all schools can do this.This can occasionally lead to a lack of cooperation
between students and their teachers, which, depending on the circumstance, could be harmful.
Online courses cannot be certified by accrediting bodies; thus, students cannot use the
knowledge they acquire from them to obtain their degrees. This is typically due to the fact that
these courses don't fully satisfy all standards that offline projects could be held accountable for.
(Barrot ,et,al, 2021).

8. Less Teacher Accountability & Increased Cheating Chances:

Since they receive credit without physically attending classes or interacting with lecturers
on a regular basis, students enrolled in fully online courses have no excuse not to reflect
frequently on how well they performed in them. Teachers that are trying to maintain control over
their classes and enforce discipline in the same way that they would normally handle students in
an offline environment may find this particularly challenging. In an online course, no
supervisory body or individual can oversee what goes on, so students might not face
consequences if they falsify their exams. This may cause some students to give up on their
education and try to get around their teachers in order to get good grades without applying any
real knowledge or skills. (Blackley & Sheffield, 2015).

9. Poor Collaboration between Student and Teacher:

In remote learning classes, students may feel as though they are losing out on the one-on-
one work that takes place between them and their lecturers. This is because they are unable to
communicate with their teachers outside of designated times or spaces, which could make them
feel alone at work and alienated from the rest of the class.

10. Fewer Job opportunity:

Students won't be able to use their degree to get employment since certain employers
won't hire those who only took classes online. This may provide challenges if they are
unemployed or require the extra money from their jobs to cover other expenses such as rent or
bills (Schmidt et al., 2016).

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 In Pakistan, Open University and virtual Sciences University students are facing
difficulties in finding jobs at good institutions.

11. Lack of students’ Concentration:

One more challenge associated with web-based learning for many pupils is their inability
to focus on a screen for extended periods of time. When taking online lessons, students are
quickly sidetracked by virtual enjoyment or a plethora of websites that cause diffraction (Graham
& Misanchuk, 2004).

To keep students focused on the material, professors should make their online lectures
engaging, thought-provoking, and instinctive.

12. Sense of Being Alone:

In numerous ways, both being a part of an organization and spending extended periods of
time with friends can impart valuable knowledge to students. Nonetheless, there aren't many
negative experiences with online learning among teachers and students. Students often feel
isolated when dealing with various problems. The school needs to take this seriously and
implement alternate means of communication for students, cohorts, and tutors in order to handle
this scenario (Gillett-Swan, 2017).

This can incorporate topics like video conferencing and online information, which take
into account the intimate bond and individual dedication and shorten the distance between pupils.

13. Increased Screen Time:

Many parents who spend a lot of time on screens are aware of the health risks mentioned
above for their kids. Probably the most challenging problem and disadvantage of web-based
learning is how much time adults spend in front of screens. Adults should avoid using screens
since they pose a threat to their mental health and strong opinions, in addition to causing
additional issues from prolonged periods of time spent squatting in front of a screen (Park &
Bonk, 2007).

14. Passive Students:

The potential for online instruction to make pupils passive learners is one of the most
frequent problems that educators encounter when implementing it. Participants in the online
courses are welcome. However, students frequently struggle to put what they have learnt into

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practise in everyday settings. They are also unable to relate to the content they have previously
learnt. Their need for numerous instructions to completely assimilate the new content is the
cause.

15. Audio Delays:

Take a little break after speaking to allow for audio delays. It's also a good idea to hold
off on answering for a short while if one of your students questions something. There is
generally a greater likelihood of audio delays in online tutoring. Conversation is not possible the
way it is in your physical classes. After every discussion, make it a habit to take a moment to
ensure that every kid understands what you've said.

16. Time Challenge:

Students' inability to keep up with the pace is another issue with online instruction. When
they attend school, they are aware that they have an exact time to get there. They will be
penalised if they don't comply. But when it comes to online learning, they don't stick to a
schedule. It is your responsibility as a teacher to see to it that a time commitment is made.

How to overcome these challenges?

Engage Students Effectively:
Teachers can discover engaging resources and platforms. There are numerous learning
methods accessible, including podcasts and movies. These days, there are even other ways of
assessment available. These resources can be optimally utilized to maintain student
engagement.
Students need to have a thorough online learning experience in order for instruction to be
effective. It is important for teachers to understand that their students will only interact with
course materials if they find them to be beneficial. It is preferable to make sure you provide
them flexibility. They ought to have the chance to hear ideas reaffirmed.

Ensure Active Participation:

When learning online, active engagement is crucial. You need to actively participate in class
in addition to attending. Participate in discussions, bring up concerns, and ask questions.

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 Seize the opportunity to digitally meet with educators and colleagues. Form study groups and
collaborate on projects.

Overcome communication Issues:

Students have to turn off the microphone only when they talk. If they turn on the
microphone constantly, there's a possibility that outside noise from each student's or even a few
students' homes will be heard. When speaking with your students exclusively, it is preferable to
stare into the camera. You will, of course, be tempted to watch the video. All of your pupils may
be on a video call with you. If not, you may be chatting via live chat. Regardless matter the
format, communicate in a professional and concise manner. Clear communication will result
from this.

There is generally a greater likelihood of audio delays in online tutoring. Conversation is not
possible the way it is in your physical classes. After every discussion, make it a habit to take a
moment to ensure that every kid understands what you've said.

Teacher’s Technical Training:

When selecting user-friendly solutions like Ken42 to support their teachers, schools
ought to exercise caution. Teachers who are not familiar with using these teaching aids can even
receive training from their schools. In the event that these teachers run into technical difficulties
even after receiving training, schools can help. To make things easier for instructors, schools can
also give them access to vital resources like a PC, the internet, and relevant materials.

Following are the guidelines to ensure before entering in online class:

 Technology is used extensively in online education. To participate in your virtual class

and finish your work, you'll need a computer, internet connectivity, and the necessary
software.
 Before classes start, make sure you have all the technical prerequisites, including suitable
browsers, high-speed Internet, and access to your student email account.
 Check with your school's IT staff. If you require further assistance, you can also get in
touch with the IT staff or your instructor.
 Learn how to use the webmail portal, discussion board, and other features as soon as you
get access to your online courses.

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Give Gentle Reminders:
It's not necessary to treat students badly in order to enforce time management. To talk to them
and build rapport, you can employ an amicable tone. Reminders for tasks and assignments can be
set. Students can receive reminders one week prior to the submission deadline.

Participate in Online Networks:

The truth is that you are not alone in your struggles; other parents have also been thrust
unexpectedly into virtual learning environments. Other pupils are also experiencing difficulty
navigating the e-learning platform. Participate in online forums where you and your kid can talk
to other parents who are facing similar challenges. For example, you may search for virtual
learning groups and encourage your child to join if they are struggling with the math curriculum
in their homeschool.

Create a Productive Learning Environment:

To get the most of your learning experience, set up a productive learning environment.
Put the following into practice:

● Find a dedicated study space where you can focus without being distracted.

Make sure the area is tidy, the desk and chairs are comfortable, and there is enough lighting.

● To enhance your learning, make use of resources and equipment like noise-canceling
headphones or internet research tools.

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Recommendations:
Online Teaching -learning is flexible: Both the teacher and the student can choose their own
learning speed when they receive their education online, and there's also the added benefit of
scheduling classes around everyone's schedules. Consequently, utilizing an online learning
platform makes it possible to better mix work and academics.

Offers wide selection of Programs: Online versions of programs for different levels and
disciplines are being offered by number of universities and higher education institutions. These
days, people receive certifications that aid in their professional success, in particular, there are
the financial certifications with the highest return on investment.

Accessible Learning: You can learn or teach from anywhere in the globe with online education.
This eliminates the need for a set timetable or for commuting from one location to another. For
instance, online learning is a best option if you want to study abroad and to find a job.

More cost effective than Traditional Education: Online learning is often less expensive than
traditional classroom instruction. Additionally, there are frequently many other payment choices
available, allowing you to pay in full or by class. This facilitates improved financial
management. It's possible that many of you qualify for scholarships or discounts, so the cost is
rarely excessive. The cost of the commute and the frequently free course materials can also be
reduced.

Conclusion:

Moreover, the possible benefits of online learning include greater educational access,
better learning opportunities, enhanced student performance and abilities, and a wider range of
educational possibilities. Because in online education, location, time, and quality are no longer
taken into consideration when pursuing degree programs or higher education.

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Blackley, S., & Sheffield, R. (2015). Digital andragogy: A richer blend of initial teacher
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Cazan, A. M., & Indreica, S. E. (2014). Need for cognition and approaches to learning among
university students. Procedia-Social and Behavioural Sciences Journal, 127, 134–138.
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