The first International Conference on Education (ICE-2022) was held at the Institute of Business Management (IoBM), Karachi on November 19, 2022. The theme of this two-day conference was The Changing Educational Landscape. ICE-2022 Conference Patron and President IoBM, Mr. Talib Karim said that we need to bring uniformity to the curriculum in Pakistan. “We must find ways to communicate with the students in a way that enhances their learning.” He added that the concept of the flipped classroom will be more effective. During her Welcome Address, Dr. Shahida Wizarat, Dean CESD, IoBM said that the Conference will touch upon issues in the education sector. She highlighted broader problems to be addressed including developing a uniform education, bridging the digital divide, raising the literacy rate, and collaborating with foreign universities. Dr. Nadia Ayub, Associate Dean, CESD, IoBM shared the key highlights of IoBM’s Department of Education.
ICE-2022 invited two keynote speakers. They were Dr. Kathryn Richardson, Head of the Language Centre Department, Queen Mary University of London, and Dr. Arfa Sayeda Zehra, an educationist and Professor of History. Dr. Kathryn said that in the post-pandemic era teachers have been observing low classroom attendance and reduced engagement from the students. She emphasized that classroom lectures should be about students’ active class participation. “Universities should develop students as producers and not consumers of knowledge,” she said. Dr. Arfa Sayeda Zehra said she became a teacher because she wanted to remain a life-long learner. She added we must implement a long-term education policy across the board. “Education is the path that leads to knowledge” she added. She said that knowledge makes one think and speak. Ms. Sabina Khatri, Founder and Chairperson, Kiran Foundation, during her talk on The Transformation of School Education explored the disconnect between generations and how parents should remain aware about the needs of their children. This Conference will aid in the integration of international practices with national and local contexts. It invited educationists, academicians, practitioners, teachers, and researchers to put forward their ideas, philosophies, and findings. ICE-2022 was organized by the Department of Education, IoBM. Dr. Sarwat Nauman, head of the Department played a pivotal role in organizing this event.
