E-LEARNING CHALLENGES IN PAKISTAN AT M.PHIL. LEVEL

Abstract

This article explores prospects and challenges of E-learning in Pakistan at the M.Phil. level. Given the emergence of Covid-19 in the year 2020 in Pakistan brought the integration of E[1]learning/distant learning in our education system; and its practice is not an innovative idea, but its critical application has raised several concerns for the future of academia. Albeit it is the new normal and efforts are being made to make it the vital mode of learning in near future; nevertheless, it has its own shortcomings. This study identifies a few of the challenges: lack of sources, in expertise in technology, English Language, power outage, no standard guidelines from the HEC, no uniform patterns followed by the universities, deception on students’ part is also a significant contributor, etc. This research is thus divided into three segments: the literature review; literature drawn probes E-learning in the new era with its pros and cons; and how it is still a challenge in Pakistan to normalize E-learning for future reference. Second is the qualitative analysis of the responses conducted from the M.Phil. students and the faculty of Area Study Centre for Africa, North and South America, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. Finally, the recommendations gathered from the deduced results and focused group discussions. The study argues the prospects of e-learning by combining the literature with the results and a brief study of Higher Education Commission’s role in creating effective strategies for normalizing e-learning.