Distance learning in engineering education: Challenges and opportunities during COVID-19 pandemic crisis in Pakistan

Abstract

This paper analyzes the impact of remote classrooms and labs as an outcome of “social distancing” during COVID-19 outbreak. It is important to analyze the emergence of web technologies and tools available for online learning and its impact on engineering education. The intended focus is to find a way out to address the issues regarding continued teaching and learning during long academic breaks due to this unpredicted pandemic. Some challenges in developing economies include the unavailability of internet services all over the country and limited resources accessible to large community to earn and learn during such epidemics. This study outlines various policy guidelines for online delivery of engineering courses and assessment techniques as experienced during this global pandemic. These guidelines will provide a roadmap for quality teaching and evaluation of online engineering courses.