(By Noman Nizami)
In a society where traditional classroom setups dominate the educational landscape, a quiet but powerful movement is reshaping how children learn—homeschooling and online education. The International Pakistan Open School (IPOS), led by a team of dedicated women, is championing this transformation. Two of its active educators, Aqsa Waqas and Elma Majid, shared their insightful experiences and perspectives in an exclusive interview.
Facing Challenges in Online Education
Discussing the hurdles faced in online teaching, Aqsa Waqas shared, “There are certainly many challenges, but one major support system we have is our team. Initially, I assumed teamwork was just a corporate buzzword, but after joining Smart Step Pakistan, I realized the critical importance of collaborative efforts.” She emphasized how a strong team of professionals has helped them seamlessly overcome educational and technical obstacles.
Elma Majid added, “The beauty of our team is that it’s women-based. We’re all working from our homes yet contributing our unique skills—Aqsa excels at content writing, I specialize in mental math and Tajweed, and our CEO, Dr. Zobia Noreen creates engaging educational content. From video editors to lesson planners, every woman in our network is skilled and empowered.”
Monitoring Student Progress
When asked about tracking student performance, Elma shared, “I currently teach around 100 students across five to six subjects including science, geography, and more. Despite the numbers, we offer personalized feedback via voice notes and appreciation stickers.” The IPOS approach includes strong parental involvement. “It’s a triangle—mother, teacher, and child. The mother isn’t just a parent; she’s an educator, working alongside us to ensure the child’s progress.”
Building Relationships With Students
Aqsa Waqas described the strong bonds that develop between students and teachers in online settings. During our recent student meet-up, both students and teachers were equally excited. In my two-hour class of nearly 50 students, I know each child’s nature, habits, and learning style.” She noted that constant communication, such as sending motivational voice notes and stickers, fosters a meaningful connection, adding that “students can even detect a teacher’s mood just by the tone of voice or facial expression on camera.”
Ensuring Regular Attendance
Regarding student attendance, Aqsa highlighted, “Our attendance ratio remains high because both students and parents prefer the live class experience. Video lectures can’t replace the interaction and immediate query resolution that live classes offer. We also maintain attendance records and follow up with parents if a child is frequently absent. If any personal issues arise, we even offer counseling to help families stay on track.”
Homeschooling vs. Traditional Schooling
On the ongoing debate between homeschooling and traditional schooling, Elma said, “Every household has its own needs. While many mothers prefer physical schools, for those leaning towards homeschooling, platforms like IPOS are a blessing.” She highlighted the broad range of skills taught—religious, ethical, and digital—believing this approach offers a more rounded education.
Aqsa Waqas added, “Mainstream schools have their advantages, but not everyone can afford top-tier institutions. Our curriculum is on par with international standards, and we make it accessible to everyone. Mothers should explore what homeschooling truly is before making a decision—it’s not just about submitting homework.”
Addressing Socialization Concerns
One common criticism of homeschooling is limited social interaction. Elma refuted this, saying, “Just because our children study online doesn’t mean they’re isolated. I take my kids to football clubs and encourage them to engage in family and community events. Socialization happens beyond the classroom too.”
Aqsa chimed in, “Our platform promotes real-world social skills even in an online setting. We teach children to engage with neighbors, share food, make friends, and appreciate nature walks. So while learning is online, the experiences are grounded in real life.”
Final Advice for Mothers
Elma stressed the importance of evaluating personal circumstances before choosing homeschooling. “This isn’t for every household. If a mother is mentally at ease and the whole family supports the idea, only then can homeschooling thrive. Counseling is crucial before making this decision.”
Aqsa concluded, “If you believe your child can thrive differently, allow them to be part of a changing world. This might be the step that changes not only your child’s future but the future of the nation.”
As homeschooling gains momentum, initiatives like the International Pakistan Open School continue to empower both children and mothers, redefining education, one home at a time.
