The head of British Government agency that promotes the use of information and communications technology has appreciated the computer usage in Pakistan and said the country has a good level of computer literacy. Stephen Crowne, Chief Executive, BECTA, was speaking to the members of the international media at the opening of the three-day “The Learning and Technology World Forum” (LATWF) here at the Queen Elizabeth Conference Centre on Monday.
Mr.Crowne said Pakistan has been one of those countries which have adapted itself very well to computer technology and the British Government has been assisting the South Asian country in adapting modern technology as a part of the teaching tools. He said British Council operating in Pakistan has devised new strategy to allow greater access of its services in education field and has introduced digital technology to assist those keen to expand their horizon and practice academic interests.
The BECTA Chief Executive said the security environment in Pakistan has led the British Council to close down its libraries but rather than deprive students and those in the education fields of the opportunities of pursuing their scholastic works, it has been decided to make the best use of digital technology. Through this medium, he said, even those living in the remote part of the country could access to rich information in diverse fields through internet and digital technology.
The Forum is the world’s premier event on learning technologies which has attracted national and international leaders from across the globe to share the best practice and debate future practice in education and skills. The Forum aims to enable the UK share and demonstrate its expertise in education and technol-ogy, support export development opportunities, learn from experience across the world to improve education and technology in the UK, enable multi-lateral international exchanges of ideas and policies and build internationally recognised leadership forum for sharing best and debating future practice in education.
The British Secretary for Business, Innovation and Skills, Lord Mandelson opened the forum and spoke of the great challenge in preparing the young people and adults to meet the challenges of the 21st century. He said the rapid strides made in digital technology is now playing an increasingly important role is helping to make learning more engaging for the students and at the same time giving adults flexibility to learn at their own convenience.
