Does digitalizing education help in Pakistan or third world countries?
Theoretically speaking, yes, of course, why not. Digitalizing education can make it easier for the students as well as teachers to remain part of the pedagogical setting. They may find it easier to just get out of the bed (or even in the bed) and still be in the classroom. They don’t have to travel all the way to the campus. The time and money can be saved. They (once again, theoretically speaking) might be well connected, more available to the stakeholders, the parent-teacher meetings can go frequently and parents may find it easier to adjust to the schedule, travel and all other related aspects.
On the other hand, reality is different. Rather, hell different!
In the third world, digitalization of education is not an easy task, on the part of institutes as well as students. Countries where people are still struggling for the basic rights of food water and shelter, the availability of internet across the board is kind of luxury. The Corona pandemic has confirmed that we are not ready for this challenge. The corona-binded digitalization due to lock down proved students suffer due to poor or no connection of internet, the institutes suffer financially and it became evident that teachers needed training as well. It was thought to be cost effective but in actual, it cost too much on all levels and to all stakeholders in the short-term as well as in the long run.
No doubt, it is easier to be present in the classroom direct from the bed, but the actual practice also revealed that the students taking classes from home needed the constant supervision from their elders or parents. Additionally, students also needed the regular doses of motivation to be in the class in time and be active participants in the discussions.
Similarly, teachers and students remain well connected but this same system puts more pressure on both the teachers and students. They never feel free, they always feel occupied and overwhelmed in some cases. The family life of the most immediate stakeholders also suffer. The poor quality of internet connection also add some more sour flavor to the dish and things become worse. The very situation which is supposed to be more interactive end up in nothing but frustration.
Hence, digitalization is not an easier task in the third world. A lot more is needed to be invested in the training of teachers, administration of institutions, students and their parents to accommodate everyone in the new scenario.
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