ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS) organized an International Webinar on the topic “Reopening of the Educational Institutes Post COVID- 19: Effects and Precautions to Be Observed” on Monday.
The aim of the Webinar was to consolidate all the sufficient measures from different countries including Hungary, Russia, China, and other European countries.
Mr. Niaz Ahmad, Vice-Chancellor, University of the Punjab, Lahore stated that in these testing times, Punjab University has made virtual education effective.
This Pandemic has hit our country when universities were at their completion of the session. Punjab Universities focusing on international advancements in the educational system.
Dr. Asif Ali, Vice-Chancellor, MNS University of Agriculture, Multan mentioned that they have developed a formula for their own special hand sanitizer amid the prevailing COVID-19 crises in Pakistan and the classes are being shifted to online programs.
Engr. Prof. Dr. Athar Mahboob, Vice Chancellor, Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB), stated that the students and teachers are following the instructions, once the university will revive its classes, reconsideration is very important to maintain the same precautionary measures.
In this new post-COVID world new modules and new learning traditions would be introduced. Laboratory tools have to be virtualized for example computer studies.
Furthermore, he stated that very close watch for the virus is needed and especially the research in microbiology.
Mr. Faisal Mushtaq, CEO, The Millennium Education University, Islamabad stated that we need to redefine the digital inclusive education, and digital inclusion. We have to turn towards digital medium. The key consideration is to build trust in the digital education system. This is the time to reconsider the infrastructure readiness for the crises in educational institutes and new normal has to be prepared.
Ms. Wang Qianting, China Media Group, Beijing, stated that China has taken sufficient measures. We are practicing tests at every educational institute. We monitor the temperature twice a day, even AI robots are also active for testing COVID-19 and especial vehicles have been arranged for the people.
Professor Xu Wenhong, Institute of Russian, East European & Central Asian Studies, China Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), Beijing, China stated that before opening the education institutes it is important to record travel history of students and faculty and to instruct the parents about the threat of the pandemic. All the educational institutions have reasonable planning including medical supplies and medical centers. After the reopening of the educational institutes, controlling an emergency program has been made in China. It should be in law to wear masks.
Mr. Zoltán Dubéczi, Secretary General, Hungarian Rectors Conference, Budapest, Hungary stated that during the pandemic, Hungary made global analysis and experience. In Hungary, the high official’s meetings are being conducted regularly to revisit the educational plan. Hungarian universities have organized online courses. All new challenges are being handled well by the Hungarian educational institutes. The exams of universities will be decided by the university management. Hungarian medical universities have started comprehensive COVID-19 screening tests in Hungry that are supported by the Ministry for innovation & technology in seven regions of the country. Special attention is payed to elders and the once with chronic illness.
The Webinar was attended by approximately 65 participants and was moderated by Lieutenant Colonel Khalid Taimur Akram (Retd), Executive Director, CGSS.
