Introduction
The Higher Education Commission, Pakistan has initiated a project titled “Online Lecturing and Net-Meeting using IP-based Video Conferencing System” for provisioning of Video Conferencing facility at all public sector universities and establishment of world class video conferencing lecture room. In the first phase of the project 18 universities/ degree awarding institutions will be provided this facility. The project is now in the implementation stage for 18 universities and the project would be completed by September 2006. In the second phase remaining 32 universities will be provided video conferencing facility. The project involves supply, installation, integration, testing, commissioning and maintenance/support of fully functional Video Conferencing System along with the collaborative tools to enhance the Students-Teacher interaction through distance learning.
Objectives
Amongst the objectives of this project a primary objective of introduction of Video Conferencing facility is to enhance students teachers interaction through distance learning, bridge the gap of good faculty, meet the shortage of faculty members at the universities located at farflung areas and ultimately to uplift the standard of education in Pakistan. HEC aims to give Pakistan a bright future through young, qualified and energetic generation.
Programs
In the 1st phase starting September, 2006 eminent scholars from Pakistan will deliver interactive lectures on various topics and recorded lectures from foreign universities will be broadcasted. The lectures delivered/broadcasted will be aimed to develop fundamental concepts, to enhance the critical thinking for under-graduate and graduate students and to discuss cutting edge technologies/research work in the fields of modern sciences for students and faculty members. In the 2nd stage interactive lectures from foreign universities will be arranged. Nobel Laureates/Eminent scientists/researchers will be invited to deliver lectures to share their knowledge/research work. This program will continue and the remaining 32 universities in 2nd phase will become part of the program.
Benefits & Opportunities
Through Video Conferencing facility the students will have the opportunity to learn from high profile teachers, exchange their ideas, contribute & share their research work. This will not only enhance their knowledge & capabilities but eventually the standard of education in Pakistan.
This project aimed towards connecting universities in Pakistan through Video Conferencing facility, so that students of such universities who are not in a position to avail benefit of high profiled teachers, could have the opportunity to learn from them, contribute and communicate their views in order to enhance their knowledge and capabilities. As a result of the implementation of this project, Pakistan’s education standard will become comparable with any of the world class universities. The facility will be utilized for conducting conferences/meetings and will save precious resources including time and money.