Distance education system in Pakistan
- Empowerment of women through distance education in Pakistan

Establishment of Allama Iqbal Open University

Distance system of education in Pakistan was started with the establishment of Allama Iqbal Open University. The Allama Iqbal Open University was established in 1974 under the name, people’s Open University. It was renamed as Allama Iqbal Open University in 1977 at eve of national poet and philosopher, Allama Muhammad Iqbal. Allama Iqbal Open University was established under an act of parliament. It was the second Open University in the world, the first such university was established in UK in 1969.In many ways it is a unique institution, particularly in terms of employing Distance Education as its basic teaching methodology.

Specialized Textbooks and Reading Material

The University develops specialized textbooks and reading material to enable the students to study on the basis of self learning. To help them study at home, however, university provides support of radio and television programmes. The institution of education and technology (IET) produces high quality educational audio and video-cassettes, which enable the students to study at home more effectively.

Use of Information Technology and Distance Education

Recent innovations in the field of information and technology are making the system of Distance education more effective. As more and more students get access to personal computers and learn to use internet, teaching through distance education is becoming more effective.

Qualified Teachers and their expertise for workshop and evaluation of assignments

Qualified teachers from all over the country are mobilized as a part time tutors for students. The students study their material under the tutor’s guidance and submit their assignments for the periodic evolution. Workshops at the end of the each semester further strengthen the process of learning.

Regional Network of Allama Iqbal Open University

The outreach system of the University in the form of its Regional Campuses/Centers is the back boon of the methodology. The University presently has 36 regional Campuses and centers in the country as shown in the map.

AIOU-2007 in Brief

AIOU -2007 in brief presents the main components of multi media package as:

Ø Correspondence Material

Ø Television and Radio

Ø Satellite Transmission

Ø Online Teaching

Ø Video Conferencing

Ø Non-Broadcast Media

Ø Tutorial Instruction

Ø Face- to- Face Teaching

Ø Group Training Workshop

Ø Internship