Mr. Fahd Haroon, Minister of State and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Public Communication and Digital Platforms, delivered a keynote speech at the Microsoft EduDay event, emphasizing the significant role of technology in education.
The event showcased Microsoft’s contributions to the education sector and highlighted the successful adoption of remote learning models in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The EDU Day event was organized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) in collaboration with Microsoft and other stakeholders.
Microsoft Edu Day is an annual event organized by educational institutions in collaboration with Microsoft. It serves as a platform to showcase the transformative power of technology in enhancing teaching and learning experiences.
The event focuses on promoting digital literacy, innovation, and collaboration in education, with a particular emphasis on addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital era.
Mr. Fahd Haroon emphasized the importance of technology in improving education. He noted that while digital transformation in education remains a challenge in many countries, the new era of digital learning necessitates collaboration among government leaders, curriculum publishers, equipment manufacturers, technology providers, and service organizations. Aligning these stakeholders is essential to enable comprehensive change and unlock the full potential of technology in education.
Highlighting Microsoft’s active involvement in promoting digital literacy and technology integration in education globally, including in Pakistan, Mr. Fahd Haroon praised the company’s commitment to enhancing higher education and K-12 education over the past five years. He expressed pride in the way K-12 institutions in Pakistan stepped up to the challenges of putting education online, utilizing the Microsoft Remote and Blended Learning Platform.
Mr. Fahd Haroon recognized the exceptional engagement and contributions of universities, colleges, public schools, and private chains across Pakistan.During his address, Mr. Fahd Haroon discussed the transformative measures taken to ensure that students did not lag behind during the COVID-19 pandemic. Collaborating with Microsoft, institutions in Pakistan swiftly adapted to the new technologies at hand. They devised strategies, resources, and solutions to quickly create online classrooms that facilitated seamless connections and enhanced learning experiences for students, teachers, and faculty.
The Minister of State/SAPM also highlighted the remarkable achievements in digital transformation witnessed in Sindh. Notably, universities such as IBA, Agha Khan, and DUHS have undergone massive-scale digital transformations, making their systems and processes more efficient. Government departments like SELD and SEF played instrumental roles in transitioning approximately 700,000 teachers and students to hybrid learning models when the COVID-19 crisis presented unprecedented challenges.
Underlining the significance of empowering educators with the skills and knowledge to effectively use technology in the classroom, Mr. Fahd Haroon emphasized the impact of initiatives like the Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) program.
