Advancing STEM Education in Pakistan: Virtual University of Pakistan and National Skills University Islamabad Will Collaborate - HunarNama Report

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Islamabad

May 19, 2024

According to Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, Vice Chancellor of the National Skills University Islamabad and Chief Guest of The National Conference on STEM Education, is a testament to the collaborative spirit and forward-thinking vision of Prof. Arshad Saleem Bhatti, Rector, Virtual University of Pakistan. Such efforts are necessary to enhance STEM and STEAM education in Pakistan. By addressing key issues such as assessment and fostering innovative collaborations, Pakistan can ensure that its educational institutions remain at the cutting edge of global academic standards. The future of STEM education in Pakistan looks promising, potentially unlocking new opportunities for students and contributing to the country's socio-economic development.

To strengthen the capabilities and capacities of the Pakistani education system at the forefront of STEM/ STEAM education, the Virtual University of Pakistan, in partnership with the British Council, recently hosted a two-day National Conference on STEM Education in Islamabad. This significant event, a part of the British Council STEM Education Project, aimed to foster innovation and excellence in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education throughout the country.

The conference, an opportunity for intellectual exchange, featured 45 research papers spanning diverse STEM and STEAM education topics, highlighting the latest advancements and research in the field. Several distinguished scholars and STEM experts, including Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, Vice-Chancellor of National Skills University Islamabad (NSU), and Zulfiqar Ali Qazilbash, Ed Tech Advisor to the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, graced the occasion. Dr. Mukhtar lauded the Virtual University's dedication to disseminating education across Pakistan, while Qazilbash revealed the government's initiative to develop a Virtual School system for school children. A representative from STEM Pakistan offered to collaborate with the Virtual University of Pakistan initiative on STEM assessment methodologies and expand it to primary school levels.

The conference's distinguished attendees included Dr. Shahid Baig, former Chairperson of the Pakistan Science Foundation, who served as the Chief Guest, and Prof. Dr. Mehmood Ul Hasan, former Vice-Chancellor of Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), who delivered a thought-provoking keynote address.

Rector Prof. Dr. Arshad Saleem Bhatti of the Virtual University underscored the critical importance of STEM education in the contemporary era, commending the efforts of the Department of Education, the Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization (ORIC), and Dr. Faisal Tehseen Shah for organizing the event.

One of the most exciting aspects of the conference was the competitive spirit fostered through the Best Paper and Best Poster competitions. These competitions provided a platform for participants to showcase their pioneering work and innovations in STEM education. The winners of the Best Poster competition were awarded cash prizes, with the first prize amounting to Rs. 20,000, the second prize Rs. 15,000, and the third prize Rs. 10,000. These awards not only recognized individual excellence but also incentivized continued innovation in the field, inspiring participants to push the boundaries of STEM education.

The conference culminated in a ceremonial distribution of souvenirs to guests and participants, symbolizing the successful collaboration between the Virtual University and the British Council in advancing STEM education initiatives in Pakistan. Representatives from the Pakistan STEM Initiative praised these efforts and expressed their eagerness to extend collaboration on future projects.

Despite the conference's successes, Rector Prof. Dr. Arshad Saleem emphasized a significant challenge facing online education: assessment, particularly within STEM and skills education programs. As education increasingly moves online, effectively assessing students' progress and competencies becomes paramount. Dr. Saleem advocated for developing systems that empower students to set their targets, fostering a more personalized and self-directed learning experience.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar echoed these sentiments, suggesting that the National Skills University Islamabad, in collaboration with the Virtual University, could play a pivotal role in popularizing STEM and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education across Pakistan. This partnership could be instrumental in modernizing assessment methodologies, ensuring that students acquire knowledge and develop the critical skills needed in the 21st century.

Prof. Mukhtar also praised the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training's efforts in advancing STEM education through digital methodologies. According to him, the Secretary, Mr. Mohyuddin A Wani, is all out for popularizing STEM education through digital means.

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