Launch of teleschool classes likely next week

Islamabad : The state-run-television channel is likely to begin broadcasting educational programmes next week for students affected by the closure of schools and colleges due to coronavirus outbreak.

According to Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Shafqat Mehmood, the education ministry in cooperation with the state run television channel had launched an initiative called 'Teleschool' to provide education.

The schooling will be available for 10 hours each day from 8am to 6pm. During the morning session, juniors will be given classes followed by seniors.

The minister said state run television channel fully supported the education ministry in the current critical time when educational institutions were closed as a precaution against coronavirus.

He said the state run television channel’s team would add graphics to the programmes to make more interesting. The minister said the ministry was also preparing a feedback mechanism where students could easily get replies to the questions regarding their courses.

He said the Higher Education Commission had already asked the universities to start online classes after the lockdown was announced, but the students faced connectivity issues in the country's far flung areas.

The minister said the ministry was holding meetings with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and Universal Services Fund to improve the connectivity and give access to students living in the remote areas.

To facilitate students, the PTA has also launched a Consumer Support Centre with efficient and trained agents, who would listen to the complaints regarding access of service and connectivity.

The minister said the Internet usage had increased as the country had to adjust to life under lockdown and many private and public universities were providing online study platform to their students.

He said all mobile phone operators had introduced new packages at a lower price which would help students learn at home.