HEC launches Digital Learning and Skills Enrichment Initiative

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) on Tuesday launched the Digital Learning and Skills Enrichment Initiative to enhance online learning and skills development among students.

HEC launches Digital Learning and Skills Enrichment Initiative

A statement issued said that DLSEI is an initiative of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan in partnership with Coursera. After the successful completion of the DLSEI Phase-I project, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has signed a contract with Coursera and officially launched the program at a largely discounted pricing model.

The HEC through its initiative Digital Learning and Skills Enrichment Initiative (DLSEI) intends to enhance online learning and skills development among passionate students with 1000+ courses and 28 learning tracks.

“Universities are supposed to be the centres of quality conventional and virtual education with highly qualified faculty.” This was stated by Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, Shafqat Mahmood while addressing a gathering on Tuesday at HEC Islamabad, including Dr. Shaista Sohail, Executive Director, HEC, Mr. Jeff Maggioncalda, CEO Coursera, vice chancellors, senior faculty members and students at the launching ceremony of Phase-II of the Digital Learning and Skills Enrichment Initiative (DLSEI).  

Addressing the ceremony, the Minister said that Pakistan’s education system is facing a plethora of challenges, particularly lack of quality and relevance, amidst rising demand for universities. He underlined the importance of interventions like Coursera for students and faculty.

“There is a massive need for skill development in the country, and the courses offered through Coursera are a remarkable intervention especially at a time when Covid-19 has greatly enhanced the importance of online learning.”

He also appreciated the National Academy of Higher Education (NAHE) for offering training to university leadership, faculty, and administrative staff to enhance their capacity. 

Mahmood said that many gaps were identified in the education system during the Covid-19 pandemic, including the digital divide in the country, faculty’s inability to teach online, and students facing difficulty understanding online classes. 

He hoped that the online courses under DLSEI will make a huge difference by honing in the talent of Pakistani students and improving their employability, enabling them to contribute to the country’s socio-economic development. 

Originally published at The nation