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INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS FINAL PROJECT RESEARCH PAPER TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT IN THE EDUCATION SECTOR OF PAKISTAN AND INDIA SUBMITTED

TO: Maam Saira Nawaz SUBMITTED FROM: Nimra Jawwad SUBMISSION DATE: 13.12.2012

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TECHNOLOGY IN EDUCATION SECTOR RESEARCH QUESTION RESEARCH OBJECTIVE PAKISTANS EDUCATION SECTOR Role of IT in education sector of Pakistan Usage and impact of technology in education sector of Pakistan INDIAS EDUCATION SECTOR Usage and impact of technology in education sector of India COMPARISON BETWEEN INDIA AND PAKISTANS EDUCATION ADVANCEMENT SIGNIFICANCE OF TECHNOLOGY IN EDUCATION SYSTEM REFERENCES

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TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT IN THE EDUCATION SECTOR OF PAKISTAN AND INDIA


TECHNOLOGY IN EDUCATION SECTOR
After the internet rush that started in 1990s, technology was instantly added to class rooms worldwide. There were a lot of struggles faced by institutes in order to understand the importance of technology and how it affects the learning of pupils. Some examples of technology that can help student enhance their learning level are laptops, computers, portable technology, video content and etc. nowadays, advancement of technology is being placed which means that there are new procedures of technology that mainly include the constant use of tablets and podcasting. Many people are now living in a new generation which is called the digital age where they are exposed to different levels of technologies that will help them interact, communicate and the way they use information.1 There are many types of technologies that are now being used in the education sector: Primarily, the audio system, teachers and students can stream audio recordings over the internet and help themselves with the subject matter they are interested in. Videos are made which are of help for students that learn better through watching video clips rather than hearing and reading. Having a computer or a laptop benefits the students as they are able to enter any website or programs like MS office, Learning Management system is another scheme that helps institutions reach the students. It helps teachers upload the course material on the internet so that students can access it. Lastly, whiteboards are now present in classrooms that help the instructors write on the touch screen so that students remain interactive and attentive towards the lecture. The use of technology has had a positive effect on the students, teacher and the institutions as a whole. Information and ideas that were hard to reach and find are now just a click away for the educators. Students can now learn at a global level. Many students learn at their own pace and have a different perspective on each content; technology helps them in a great way and assists all kinds of learners. It is helping students to practice and develop skills that were

Geer, R., & Sweeney, T. (2012). Students voices about learning with tech nology. Journal of social sciences, 8 (2). 294-303

unknown to them previously. Teachers are able to present lecture efficiently through the advancement of technology. Students that are not comfortable in classrooms can now opt for online courses, sit back and learn at home, online tutors are available as well. There are negative aspects of using technology in education system as well: sometimes the resources are limited. Therefore, the students are unable to access computers and whiteboards. Educational videos and games are being presented in classrooms that are meant to mature the minds of students and increase their knowledge and awareness; these games can be contradictory at times as the vocabulary level seems to drop. An associate professor of Harvard Medical School said, The worry is we're raising a generation of kids in front of screens whose brains are going to be wired differently. The research questions that this research paper intends to answer are: 1. Is technology advancement really advantageous in an education sector? 2. What is the outcome of using technology in an education system, in context with India and Pakistan? 3. How can technology advancement, of India and Pakistan, be paralleled in education sector?

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY


The purpose of this research paper is to study the advancement of technology present in the education sector. For this purpose, the countries selected are India and Pakistan. The research paper will take a look at the current situation in both the countries and will give a comparative analysis.

PAKISTANS EDUCATION SECTOR


The role of information technology in education sector of Pakistan Information technology is basically the use of computers and telecommunications to collect, save, convey and control data. It includes, not only, computers and computer networks, but also other technologies that are useful in various aspects of our everyday life. Many people

have tried to promote the use of technology in all levels of education. Technology has been declared to be one of the best ways to improve educational setting. It changes student-teacher interaction with each other in an encouraging and helpful way. Modern technology has been giving teachers and students an easy way to understand and gain knowledge with the help of images shown in classrooms. The first and foremost requirement of a nation to build is education because it generates high yield as compared to any other option. When young students are exposed to technology, they automatically start learning in a very rapid pace. There thinking is developed; new ideas are generated with creativity and innovation. However, Pakistan cannot accept the new emergence of technology as compared to the rest of the world or its neighbor, India because it is an underdeveloped country and cannot afford such an expense. Gradually, the importance of computers in the education sector of Pakistan has been comprehended. Educated people have started using computer and internet for different purposes. For example, using different programs that help them in making their projects. Students no longer need to attend lectures, online courses are available with questions that help them gain knowledge and find solutions of them without the help of their teachers. Thus, technological advancement has been helping students in various ways. Information technology has been playing a vital role in the education sector of Pakistan since 1990s. It has been able to give people the chance to study and qualify for courses that they are interested in and can complete them in their free time. There are degree courses that are available online which can create a career path for people that need help. Most universities, today, in Pakistan advice the teachers to upload there study material online so that not only the student from there universities can access them, but also the students who want to learn all over the world. Research papers and online lectures and slides are available for such kind in interested students. Anyone who is willing to learn and owns a computer can easily study for a degree and develop his/her career. Students are now going to be educated through information technology because it gives them an easy and resourceful teaching plan. With the increased competition, regarding advancement of technology in education sector, between different institutions, they are investing greatly on technology so that they are able to provide their students with efficient and accurate information. And in this century, where the competition has gone global, Pakistan does not want to stay behind. Latest technologies and

softwares are being used in different institutes now so that a rather positive experience could be conveyed to the students. Almost half of Pakistans economy thinks that the education sector is developed as they have never been exposed to standard technological advancement, they may not be even aware of such advancement going on throughout the world. These kinds of students are of the view that the use of technology for educational purposes is not so efficient and it is of basic or medium level. The remaining, of course, thinks that Pakistan is still in need of advancement in education sector so that they can cope up with the globalized world. These are the students who are of the view that information technology is the only way that education sector can be developed and is efficient on so many levels. There is no doubt that the use of technology, across worldwide, is being increased in universities. Students take advantage of such situations and are able to study at flexible times according to their own pace and understanding. They understand that technology is the only reason why institutes are developing now. Gradually, online education is gaining popularity in Pakistan and people have started understanding the true use of information technology in institutions that can be of help to them. The usage and impact of technology in education sector of Pakistan Although there have been approaches to enter information technology in universities for teaching and learning, the fact remains that only a few students and teachers make use of computer technology for academic purposes. According to Andersson Sven, Changed roles because of IT competence raise questions about the importance of systematic IT features within teacher education. Many of the newly qualified teachers wish they had more knowledge about IT and related techniques2 Nowadays, students and teachers have understood the importance of Power Point and other softwares. These technological changes are perceived as necessary for students as well as teachers in order to gain and provide knowledge to others. If teachers, in Pakistan, start using technology and practice on these computers, this will affect them in a positive way in the future. Although technological advancement offers many challenges, it will help institutions in not only
2

Sven, Andersson: 2006. Newly qualified teachers learning related to their use of information and communication technology: a Swedish perspective; British Journal of Educational Technology, 37(5): 665-682.

supportive tasks but also for teaching purposes. Using information technology helps in promoting learning environment and these means should be nurtured on a higher level in Pakistan. Computer literacy and awareness courses should be initiated as soon as possible and teachers should be trained in order to work out these advanced technologies so that the true spirit of learning could be encouraged. Selwyn Bullon states, teachers should strive for constructing meaningful and really useful opportunities for children to use computers and, therefore, stimulating continued desire to use IT in school.3 This statement is true on so many levels because if teachers start struggling to create chances and opportunities for students, only then the technological advancements will achieve its true objective.

INDIAS EDUCATION SECTOR


Formerly, Indian classrooms used to consist of teachers delivering their long lectures and students attending the lecture. But now, technology is making life easier for both the instructors and the students. School, colleges and universities are now opting for digital teaching styles that are more efficient for the new generation pupils that are well familiar with iPads, Play Stations, basically all the new technological releases. This makes students more participatory and competent in class. A perfect example to explain the technological advancement in India is Smartclass from Educomp Solutions Company. Smartclass is, basically, a digital library which is multimedia rich and demonstrates 3D content so that students can better visualize what they are studying. It has been helping teachers in evaluating students, whether or not they comprehend the concept of the matter. Once the teacher is done with the lecture, a list of questions is demonstrated on the multi-media which the students have to answer through their personal answering device. The teacher is able to retrieve the scores immediately after the students are done and based on that, teachers revise the lecture. This is one of the reasons why the education level in India is up to the mark compared to Pakistan. "Technology makes the teaching-learning process very easy and interesting, For instance, [earlier] it would easily take me one full lecture to just draw an electromagnetic cell on the blackboard. Though I could explain the cell structure, there was no way I could have managed to show them how it really functions. This is where technology comes to our aid -- now I can show
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Bullon, Selwyn 2000. Primary school childrens use of ICT; British Journal of Educational Technology, 31(4): 321-332.

the students a 3D model of the cell and how it functions. Instead of wasting precious time drawing the diagram on the blackboard, I can invest it in building the conceptual clarity of my students." Says Harish Arora, who is a chemistry teacher at a public school in New Delhi. Across 560 districts in India, more than 12000 institutes are using Smartclass. The number is increasing as days are passing by. The usage and impact of technology in education sector of India India expects to grow its technological advancement in educational sector five times more by 2020. Educomp Solutions, Core Education & Technologies, Everonn Education, Compucom, IL&FS and NIIT are some of the companies that are playing a massive role in developing technologies for education purposes. The state government of India is also encouraging the usage of technology in institutions. Companies are now associating with different state governments in order to gain the advantage that digital learning is offering. In Haryana, approximately 500 million students are benefitting from an IT project that CORE Education and Technologies is initiating. CORE is also making projects for Gujarat, Maharashtra, Punjab, Meghalaya and Nagaland. The work that CORE had in progress includes computer-aided learning in schools, colleges and universities, bio-metric devices that upload attendance for teachers and installing other softwares, hardwares and equipments . "There are several logistical issues. Delivery of equipment to rural areas is a big challenge in itself.... There is lack of basic infrastructure -- either there are no classrooms or there are ones with no windows.... Some schools don't even have toilets. Moreover, the power availability in these areas is often poor and we have had to deploy generator sets in many schools." Says Anshul Sonak, president of CORE. This means that the people of India do not hesitate concerning technology, even though there schools are not fully developed and settled, they would still like to install advance technologies for the students so that they can achieve a better level of understanding and efficiency. This kind of commitment is what is needed in states like Pakistan. Education dedicated tablet computers have been introduced in the market. The most highly advanced of these computers is name the Aakash. It targets to eradicate all kinds of digital illiteracy by handing over Aakash tablets to students in funded rates. It has been able to create

awareness and interest among the students of India. Digital technologies have been introduced in India for more than 10 years now, but there implementation has been fewer. Smart boards and 3D projectors have been presented now, Wi-Fi networks and laptops as end user devices. Digital technology used in the education sector of India include tablets, smart phones 3G cellphone networks. The use of tablets has been the most effective throughout the world and in India. The technology that have, recently, been introduced in India have been: A device named ATab has been introduced recently for schools and colleges in India. Classpad has been launched which gives education based solutions based on NCERT syllabus. MyEduTab, a USD 160 (INR 7,999) has been launched by HCL Infosystems, it is a tablet which assists teachers and students in connecting and sharing information with each other. Funbook has been developed with an application of E-reading which provides u over 500 courses including courses that will help students in preparing for medical, MBA exam and engineering. Educomp, the creator of smartboards assisted classrooms in India is also reported to launch tablet-based solutions. The Indian government has also been assisting schools for adoption of digital technologies in the education sector.

A COMPARISON BETWEEN INDIA AND PAKISTANS EDUCATION ADVANCEMENT


While India has emphasized on higher education for many years now, they have, somewhat, been successful in achieving their main objective. Whereas, Pakistan can still learn by following the footsteps of India and gain worldwide recognition in the field of education. There is a reason why Indians are found to be the author of every other course book taught in schools, found to be ahead in all kinds of competition concerning knowledge and efficiency, Indian engineers are found in top most recognized organizations in the world. Everywhere a person gazes at, an Indian is found in high ranks and achieving glory, because they

have taken their education system extremely seriously. Their government has been assisting them in gaining this success. They have made sure that students of India gain education magnificently. How? One of the reasons can be said to be the technological advancement India has welcomed. There is hardly any difference between India and Pakistan in terms of educational development, but the difference comes when taking few of the Indian academic institutions that are raising the bar to a high world class level. Other institutes are bound to follow them because of pressure then. Pakistan did not have a single university that was recognized worldwide but the National University of Science and Technology has been able to reach no. 376 in the past seven years. On the other hand India has about 400 universities, 16000 colleges that involve technology, management and medical studies. Almost each institute tends to have digital basis, and if some schools dont, the government is working hard in providing the students with technology they desire to upheld their careers. Other institutions that have become world class in India include Regional College of Engineering, BITS Pilani institute, the Tata Institutes of Education (TIFR) and some state universities are making their way towards the top in technological fields. Although few universities in Pakistan, like LUMS, IBA AND NUST, are recognized worldwide but these institutions have made the mistake of letting conservatism in their system which does not let them compete worldwide. Higher Education Commission (HEC) has also failed in establishing institutions of excellence. There are no colleges and universities that can be compared to IIT and IIM of India in terms of technological advancement, intellectualism, efficiency and knowledge.

SIGNIFICANCE OF TECHNOLOGY IN EDUCATION SYSTEM


Information technology is struggling in education sector of Pakistan but gradually it is gaining some perspective as well. Information technology is attaining prominence in every field of life including our education system and a country may be entitled as underdeveloped if it fails in taking care of such areas of mass advancement. Anyone who has a computer and the will to learn can study for a degree and/or a career change.4 This means that any person on this planet can attain education if he/she owns any kind of technology. This is a century of digital age and technology should be the main tool for education. Advanced technology should be instigated in schools, colleges and universities. The ministry of education of all states should perceive the institutions of developed countries as a model for themselves so that they are encouraged to build such foundations as well. Governments of developing countries in South Asia should initiate campaigns that create awareness about the effective use of technology for the expansion of education sector. Availability of information technology is very important for efficiency of students. It helps them in improving their learning skills as well as for preparing their assignments and projects at a more upgraded level. Studies have shown that the use of information technology for education purposes can lead to creative knowledge of students and increases efficiency at local, regional and national level. Information Technology can only bring a positive influence on education sector of societies.

Jeffels, (2010) Information Technology in the Education Sector. Available from: www.ehow.com/about_6665286_information-technology-education-sector.html, Accessed on 10 December, 2010

REFERENCES
o R. Geer, & T. Sweeney, (2012). Students voices about learning with technology. Journal of social sciences, 8 (2). 294-303 o Andersson Sven: 2006. Newly qualified teachers learning related to their use of information and communication technology: a Swedish perspective; British Journal of Educational Technology, 37(5): 665-682. o Selwyn Bullon, 2000. Primary school childrens use of ICT; British Journal of Educational Technology, 31(4): 321-332. o Jeffels, (2010) Information Technology in the Education Sector. Available from: www.ehow.com/about_6665286_information-technology-education-sector.html, Accessed on 10 December, 2010.

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