Pakistan lags behind Developing Member Countries (DMCs) in preparation for digital education
In its recent report titled "Toward Mature Digital
Education Ecosystems: The Digital Education Readiness Framework," the
Asian Development Bank (ADB) has identified Pakistan as the country least
prepared for digital education among its developing member countries (DMCs).
The report underscores several key areas in which Pakistan requires improvement, such as low internet connectivity, slow fixed broadband speeds, high fixed-line broadband costs, and limited rural electricity supply. A mere 34.1 percent of households have access to the internet.
ADB
to work closely with Pakistan in addressing its economic challenges
Another notable shortcoming is the lack of teacher training in information and communication technology (ICT) skills, particularly in the context of delivering online education. Pakistan also possesses the lowest proportion of ICT graduates within its tertiary education graduate pool, standing at a mere 1.1 percent, the lowest among all 10 ADB member countries.
Nevertheless, Pakistan excels in cable TV subscriptions, boasting over 482 subscriptions per 1,000 individuals. The country's household TV coverage rate stands at 62.8 percent. Among the 10 DMCs, six fall into the "initial category of readiness." These countries, in order, include Cambodia, Bangladesh, the Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Pakistan, and Fiji.
Pakistan,
Bangladesh top borrowers of International Development Association (IDA) funding
The remaining four nations fall into the "emerging category of readiness," comprising Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Uzbekistan.
The pricing of fixed broadband services significantly influences the ranking of these countries. Cambodia, Indonesia, and Pakistan have the least affordable broadband, whereas Bangladesh, Mongolia, and Uzbekistan offer the most affordable options.
Notably, the difference between the normalized score of the model country and the highest-scoring country's score is approximately 45 points.
Source: The Current