LAHORE: The Lahore College for Women University (LCWU), in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC), took a significant step towards embracing digital education and empowering female students with the launch of a state-of-the-art smart classroom.
The ceremony was attended on Monday by Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Rana Tanvir Hussain.
The smart classroom, initiated under the HEC Vision of 2025 ICT programmes for ‘Transformation towards Smart Universities”, is equipped with interactive tools. It enhances student-teacher interaction through online and distance learning, bridging the gap between faculty and students of LCWU and Rawalpindi Women’s University.
This initiative also facilitates interactive communication with 50 other smart classroom sites established across Pakistan in all provinces.
The LCWU smart classroom boasts an 86-inch Idea Hub, featuring 16 microphones and 30 Video Digital Image Stabilization for students. It offers a range of features, including eLearning, virtual desktops, interactive whiteboards, classroom control systems, live virtual classrooms, on-demand collaboration, interactive displays, and an interactive control center.
The facility aims to provide an innovative and exciting learning experience for both faculty and students.
Moreover, the LCWU smart classroom project will support the National Academy for Higher Education of HEC in conducting virtual faculty development programs across universities in Pakistan, fostering continuous growth and professional development.
Minister Hussain expressed his enthusiasm for the smart classroom and highlighted the importance of embracing technology in education. He emphasized that the collaboration between the LCWU and the HEC marks a significant milestone in transforming universities into smart institutions. The smart classroom initiative is set to revolutionize the learning experience, bridge educational gaps, and empower students to thrive in the digital age.
The minister also stressed the prime responsibility of ensuring quality education for every individual in the country. He acknowledged the vital role universities play in shaping society by developing the intellectual capabilities of young women and engaging them in social action and IT projects.
Vice-Chancellor Dr Bushra Mirza affirmed LCWU’s commitment to providing students with the best possible learning opportunities and empowering them with digital skills that open doors to endless possibilities. She highlighted the e-rozgaar programme, launched in 2017, which empowers female youth with the necessary digital skills for online freelancing opportunities. The programme has seen success, with 170 students registering and completing two months of hands-on training in web development, digital media marketing, and creative design.
Additionally, LCWU has partnered with the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission under the Prime Minister Youth Skill Development Programme. Through this collaboration, LCWU’s Department of Mass Communication provides high-tech skills training in digital marketing, search engine optimization, and documentary and filmmaking. The programme has yielded positive outcomes, with 38 trainees securing job placements and seven startups being incubated.
