Islamabad, 23 June 2022 (TDI): Microsoft Pakistan launched Campus Connect Day 2022 to implement ETF and encourage collaboration between Educational Institutions.
ETF is the Education Transformation Framework effort. Its goal is to achieve seamless knowledge transfer by digitizing the education system and reforming learning methods throughout Pakistan’s higher education institutions.
Hundreds of academics, Vice Chancellors of various institutions, faculties, and government leaders from the public and private sectors attended the hybrid event.
It is worth noting that Microsoft has been working with the Higher Education Commission and institutions throughout Pakistan for over 12 years. It has been helping them in transforming education through the power of technology.
The four key pillars of the Microsoft Education Transformation Framework (ETF) helped in building this year’s engagements:
- Student Success
- Academic Research
- Secure and Connected Campus
- Teaching and Learning.
The pursuit of the event:
The primary goal of this hybrid event was to discuss the programs provided and delivered as part of the ETF. It highlighted the best educational institutions in the country that rigorously study and use Microsoft technology.
The event brought attention to how Microsoft is assisting universities in utilizing Microsoft’s tailored products and services to digitize critical tasks. For instance, Microsoft classroom tools such as Microsoft Teams can help students, instructors, and staff in digital collaboration.
Moreover, it highlighted the advantages of other important technologies and platforms, such as Microsoft Azure in Education and Academic Research.
Azure is a powerful tool for improving services while lowering overheads.
The session also discussed approaches to engaging students in a hybrid model setting and access to suitable devices and learning platforms. In addition, it also discussed technology integration and student well-being, and continuous professional learning for instructors.
The Vice Chancellors and leaders of educational institutes from across the country, including the Chairperson, Higher Education Commission Dr. Shaista Sohail, Microsoft Country Education Lead Jibran Jamshed, and DG IT Nazeer Hussain, attended the event.
Remarks of the Chief guest:
Firstly, Dr. Shaista Sohail, the Chief guest said, “Education sector is the backbone of any economy and since we know Microsoft is genuinely striving here in Pakistan for a great cause, we assure our absolute support in unleashing the true potential of technology in Pakistan.”
Remarks of the Country Education Lead for Microsoft in Pakistan:
Secondly, Jibran Jamshad, Country Education Lead for Microsoft in Pakistan, said, “The last couple of years made us realize the massive impact of technology in our lives and the Education industry is no exception.
The use of technology is equally needed for the public and private institutions and at the federal or provincial level. By driving customers through a cloud-first journey and modernizing their data centers/operations, gearing up students for future-ready skills through Microsoft certifications, modernizing classroom practices via hybrid learning, automating the back office through Dynamics 365 ERP and campus management system, we are trying not only to transform the system according to the need of the hour but also increasing efficiency and productivity”
Remarks of the DG IT, Higher Education Commission:
Lastly, Nazeer Hussain, DG IT, Higher Education Commission, also shared his thoughts and said, “We, at HEC are happy to extend our partnership to Microsoft, both to enhance the technological capacity of educational institutes and to address the challenges posed during pandemic as well as the emerging post pandemic situation.
Microsoft has been a key partner in the transformation of Pakistan Education System through provision of cutting-edge IT solutions. During these challenging times, Microsoft has beefed up its support for remote learning platforms like Teams among others.
We count on Microsoft’s continued support and innovative solutions to benefit students, faculty members and educational administrators and enable Pakistan to compete with stakeholders in the international academic community.”
