The way people access information has changed with the widespread use of smartphones and social media. Lectures and educational discussions that once required people to attend a classroom or gathering can now reach audiences through online platforms.
In Pakistan, social media is used not only for entertainment but also for educational content. Lectures, discussions and advice are regularly shared on platforms such as TikTok and YouTube, giving teachers and speakers another way to communicate with the public.
Shaykh Atif Ahmed is among the educators and public speakers using social media to reach a wider audience. Based in Karachi, he is associated with Al Midrar Institute, an educational initiative through which he has been involved in teaching and public speaking.
His presence on TikTok has provided another channel for his educational content. Through his account, @shaykhatif_official, he has built an audience of more than 1.1 million followers. His videos allow viewers to access his talks without being physically present at a lecture or educational gathering.
Online platforms have made educational material easier to access, although they also have limitations. A short video can introduce an idea or explain a specific point, while more detailed subjects often require longer discussions and additional context. This makes clarity and accuracy important when educational material is shared with a large audience.
The role of teachers and speakers has also expanded beyond traditional classrooms. Recorded lectures, public talks and online discussions allow educators to communicate with people from different locations and backgrounds.
For some learners, online educational content serves as an additional source of information alongside formal studies. Others use such material to explore subjects that interest them outside school, college or university. Online lectures cannot replace formal educational institutions, but they can provide another means of accessing knowledge.
Al Midrar Institute is another part of Shaykh Atif Ahmed’s educational work. Institutions and educational initiatives can provide a more structured environment for people seeking continued learning and study.
The use of social media for education also carries responsibilities for both educators and audiences. Speakers need to present information carefully, while viewers should consider the source and context of what they watch and read online.
Shaykh Atif Ahmed’s work reflects the changing ways in which educational content is being delivered. His involvement in teaching, public speaking and social media demonstrates how educators can communicate with audiences beyond the traditional classroom.
Technology may continue to change the way lessons and ideas are delivered, but the central purpose of education remains the same: helping people gain knowledge, understand ideas and develop the ability to think independently.
