The Information Technology University (ITU) in Lahore has introduced Pakistan’s inaugural virtual reality (VR) classes, revolutionizing the country’s education landscape. As the first institution in Pakistan to venture into the metaverse for education, ITU aims to provide students with a fully immersive learning experience akin to traditional classrooms, regardless of their physical location.
Through VR headsets, students and educators can participate in classes, complete with interactive features such as movement tracking and virtual whiteboards. This innovative approach not only enhances students’ understanding of the syllabus but also facilitates real-time interaction, similar to face-to-face classrooms.
Ibrahim Ghaznavi, the Head of the Department of Computer Sciences at ITU, highlighted the initiative’s dual benefits of energy conservation and academic enhancement. He emphasized that this initiative was a response to the challenges faced during the transition to online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ghaznavi emphasized that the virtual classroom closely mirrors reality, making it easier for students to grasp complex concepts.
ITU has partnered with the University of Denmark for a pilot project to further enhance the virtual learning experience. The IT industry views this move as a positive step towards utilizing modern technology for educational advancement. They believe that if lawmakers prioritize legislation for modern technology, Pakistan could soon be recognized as a global leader in the field of education technology.