Sindh govt asks varsities to follow online learning advisory

KARACHI: Public universities have been asked to implement a six-point advisory regarding online classes issued by the Sindh Government's universities and boards department amid the lockdown.

According to a notification issued on Wednesday, the vice-chancellors of 25 public universities in Sindh have been instructed to ensure an active and effective learning management system (LMS), as well as a body to oversee and verify the availability of certified courses online.

The notification also asked the universities to train their faculty in holding online lectures before commencing classes, adding that all necessary information about courses and assignments should be made available on the LMS.

Moreover, the universities have been directed to attend to the unavailability of reading material and similar issues faced by students.

A number of government and private varsities in Sindh have already adopted online teaching, though students have been facing several challenges in this.

Several students have complained about lack of internet connections and the expense of internet data, as well as unscheduled power outages. Some students have also expressed reservations about ability to learn in online classes.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 17^th, 2020.