Pakistan has a tiger by its tail. The lecture halls overflowed in Lahore last evening as enthusiastic Pakistanis flocked to a lecture sponsored by LUMS and Jazz on 'Learning How to Learn'. This lecture, based on the world’s most subscribed Massive Open Online Course or MOOC held the audience spellbound as Dr. Barbara Oakley explored practical insights from neuroscience about how to learn more effectively.
Jazz and LUMS emphasise innovation and digitisation as core strategic goals to advance human development objectives of Pakistan’s vision of 2025. For this reason, both entities have signed an MoU to reach the youth combining their expertise and shared values.
Part of this collaboration is a speaker series DisruptEd: Ideas that matter, to showcase some of the best thinkers in digital learning. The inaugural talk by Aamir Ibrahim, CEO Jazz, on ‘Leadership in the Age of Rapid Digitalisation’ was followed by the globally renowned Dr. Barbara Oakley, Professor of Engineering at Oakland University, known for world’s most subscribed MOOC ‘Learning How to Learn’.
“Youth development has always been one of Jazz’s agenda, both internally through our various development programmes, and externally through synergies with public and private institutions”, said Aamir Ibrahim, CEO – Jazz. “The advent of the 4th Industrial Revolution requires a workforce with new skills and competencies. This is where our partnership with LUMS will set the stage for developing young talent across Pakistan with current and future-ready skills.”
In his remarks, Dr. Arshad Ahmad, Vice Chancellor of LUMS, said that digital learning is “the great equalizer” in education. He went on to say, “LUMS has been at the forefront of national initiatives that can lead to personal growth and progressive transformation. Our National Outreach Programme, now in its 19th year, is an excellent example of supporting disadvantaged students from all corners of the country. The LUMS Learning Institute and LUMSx are new initiatives that will provide an innovative learning environment.”
Describing this digital collaboration, Dr. Ahmad added, "Dr. Oakley gives Pakistan the gift of learning from neuroscience and cognitive psychology in practical ways that millions of students have benefited from. Combined with the vision of industry leaders like Mr. Aamir Ibrahim and Mr. Ali Naseer, this collaboration promises an excellent way forward”.
Digital learning takes on a special meaning in Pakistan because it is the sixth most populous country in the world, with a demographic profile where 2 out of 3 people are in their 20’s or younger. The communications industry is being disrupted and with partnerships like these, efforts are being combined to provide access through online learning by reimagining how the youth can participate in digital entrepreneurship and discovery learning. LUMS is at the forefront of imagining new direction in higher education by offering more integrated, transdisciplinary programmes that unite disciplinary expertise.
In the coming months, the partnership will raise public awareness, inspire and engage Pakistani youth and beyond in digital learning, initiate credentialed digital modules and courses through education channels supported by Jazz and LUMSx, and disseminate white papers, host conferences and other public events.
Jazz is an established market leader connecting millions of Pakistanis and creating opportunities to improve their economic and social well-being. LUMS is a national comprehensive university that has produced over 13,000 alumni who have made their mark in leading companies and not-for-profit organisations in Pakistan as well as around the globe. Both organisations strive to continuously improve quality and reach new levels of excellence.
