ISLAMABAD: Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training in collaboration with the UNESCO, EdTech Hub, and ITA hosted the national launch of the 2023 Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report here in Islamabad on Monday.
Caretaker Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Madad Ali Sindhi chaired the event. Madad Ali Sindhi while addressing the event said that the topic of this year’s GEM Report is extremely pertinent, according to an official press release.
He said it is vital to evaluate technology’s role in imparting education. He said Pakistan has recently given high importance to the use of technology in imparting education.
Madad Ali Sindhi said that his top priority has been to reduce the Out of School Children. He said the role of technology in bringing that number down is also pivotal.
The Minister said that today’s problems require smart solutions. He said it is time that Pakistan matches the pace of the developed countries of the world. He said quality of education is another challenge that has been given the highest priority under his command.
He said that he has placed special emphasis in ensuring that the schools in the federal capital have the basic necessities available in order to provide a safe, secure and enabling environment to the students.
Madad Ali said the Ministry of Education was adept in making sure that technology’s benefits can be passed on to the masses in the COVID 19 era. He highlighted the development and launch of tele school and educational radio channels in the Covid era by his Ministry.
He highlighted the findings of the report which point out that technology can also leave behind under privileged students. He said the Education Ministry will ensure that the use of technology is adapted in such a way that no child is left behind irrespective of his/her background.
The Minister said that the Education Ministry will ensure that our learning outcomes and educational programmes will be aligned with technology in such a way that the negative aspects of technology are completely curbed.
Madad Ali Sindhi said that he hopes that through smart use of technology the fundamental right of education of all children of Pakistan will be fulfilled.
The event addressed key questions about technology in education. These questions included appropriateness, equity, scalability, and sustainability.
The report emphasized evidence-backed technology use, the impact of COVID-19 on education, the digital divide, and the importance of teacher involvement. It commends Pakistan’s efforts but highlights infrastructure gaps and the need for responsible technology integration.