KP links 331 government schools to Global Virtual School for online science, maths, English and IT classes

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will register 331 government schools with the Global Virtual School, an online teaching platform, so that students can be taught science, mathematics, English and IT or computer science by qualified teachers online, ProPakistani reported on Saturday.

The Elementary and Secondary Education Department issued the directive on the instructions of Provincial Education Minister Arshad Ayub Khan.

Why KP is doing it

The aim is to deal with the shortage of teachers in key subjects. The department says the scheme is meant for remote and underserved areas in particular. The department expects the online classes to:

• ease the shortage of subject teachers;
• keep learning going when a post is vacant;
• bring modern teaching tools to schools that do not have them.

What is not known yet

The department has not yet published the list of the 331 schools, their districts, the start date or the cost. Parents should ask the school head whether their child's school is on the list and when classes begin. We will add the list when it is released.

What it means for students

For a matric or intermediate student in a school with no science or computer teacher, an online class is better than none, but it depends on two things that are often missing in remote areas: reliable electricity and an internet connection. Schools on the list will need both in the classroom, not just at the head office.

Students preparing for board exams or entry tests can also use our CGPA calculator and the MDCAT aggregate calculator to plan ahead. More school and board news is on our education desk, including Punjab's plan to move private schools to a new session from 1 December.