Emerging Trends of E-Learning in Pakistan: Past, Present and Future

Siddiquei, L Nabia and R, Khalid
Virtual University of Pakistan and
Beacon House National University of Pakistan
Lahore, Pakistan

E-learning is increasingly becoming a powerful and leading avenue of education in developed countries. The need for substituting emerging models of e-learning for traditional pedagogy is now becoming more pronounced in developing countries, such as Pakistan. The conceptual realization among stakeholders is in the process of becoming a practical reality, with various initiatives being implemented, but there are several hurdles and challenges that need to be addressed. This paper discusses the developments in the e-learning education sector in Pakistan and identifies the obstacles to its future development. The research endorses adaptation to e-learning as a paradigm shift that involves the restructuring of both technical and human elements. The human aspect involves the existing psychological orientation of teachers and students, who — due to various socio-economic, socio-political and socio-cultural factors — are prone to resisting the paradigm shift. The technical aspect includes institutional barriers and limitations in curriculum intervention. The research proposes e-learning as a potential revolution in the education sector of Pakistan as it is cost-effective and maximizes performance.