The Directorate of Open and Distance Learning (DODL) organized an orientation session for course development as per Open and Distance Learning (ODL) policy on 12th March, 2025. Director (DODL) Dr. Muhammad Munir Kayani welcomed all the participants and resource person Dr. Kashif Suhail Malik, Master Trainer, Institute of Professional Development (IPD).

Faculty members from Department of Teacher Education (DoTE) and Department of Educational Leadership and Management (DoELM) were the key participants of this session. Dr. Azhar Mahmood, chairperson DoELM also grace this event with his presence. Event was started with recitation of Holy Quran followed by brief introduction of this session by Dr. Kashif Suhail Malik. Then he asked the faculty members to share their views about their experience related to distance education programs. Dr. Muhammad Zafar Iqbal Assistant Professor/Incharge (Male / Female Programs) highlighted the challenges that were faced during distance education programs. Dr. Fouzia Ajmal, Assistant Professor, DoTE briefed about the course development process which was followed for ODL courses.

Mr. Kashif Sohail shared valuable expertise on developing courses for Open and Distance Learning (ODL). He emphasized that, aside from organizing course activities and recording lectures, the process is similar to traditional course development. The session yielded several key takeaways. When developing ODL courses, it is essential to consider the students’ capabilities when using abbreviations, ensuring clarity and understanding. Additionally, objectives should be actionable and specific to each unit. To ensure standardization, referencing international and national universities’ schemes of studies, such as Allama Iqbal Open University and Virtual University of Pakistan, can serve as a valuable guide. Furthermore, ODL courses must be self-driven, with concise instructional strategies, and can incorporate authentic YouTube videos from renowned universities. Lastly, utilizing Google Forms for assessment provides adjustable features to meet the unique demands of each course.

To further support faculty members, Mr. Kashif Sohail offered to share a link to his ODL course, providing a valuable resource for guidance. The session proved highly informative, equipping faculty members with practical insights for effective ODL course development. At the end of session, Director, DODL concluded this session by motivating the faculty members to start work on assigned courses and complete that task by July, 2025. Session ended with vote of thanks by Director, DODL Dr. Muhammad Munir Kayani for resource person Dr. Kashif Suhail Malik and all the faculty members.

A study tour to the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) was organized by Department of Teacher Education, International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI). The visit provided an invaluable opportunity for students of BS Education 5th semester students studying course of “Classroom Assessment” to gain insights into the assessment and examination processes at the national level. Dr. Fouzia Ajmal, Assistant Professor was the focal person of the activity.

The session was facilitated by Mr. Arshad Mehmood, Secretary FBISE, who welcomed the participants and highlighted the board’s role in maintaining educational standards across the country. The briefing was conducted by Controller (Test Evaluation), Mr. Aqeel Imran, who provided an overview of the key administrative and operational procedures of FBISE. The presentation covered: The introduction of FBISE, Reforms and initiatives, including the integration of advanced technology, Technological advancements like On-Screen Marking (OSM), automated processes, and e-services followed by discussion about future plans involving AI in assessments and promoting STEAM education. Mr. Nafees Ahmed Khan, Assistant Secretary (Administration), coordinated the event to ensure a smooth and productive visit.

During the visit students engaged in an interactive session, where they learned about examination policies, evaluation mechanisms, and innovations in assessment. The students had the opportunity to get insights about various processes, including test item development, E-marking procedures, and result compilation.

The visit was highly beneficial in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications of classroom assessment. The Department of Teacher Education IIUI expressed gratitude to FBISE for their cooperation and support in facilitating this educational experience.

Department of Teacher Education arranged a seminar on “Construction and Use of Online Assessment Tool” on 2nd December, 2024. Spokesperson was Dr. Tanveer Afzal from Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad. Dr. Munir Kayani, Chairman Department of Education and Teachers from Department of Teacher Education and Educational Leadership and Management embellished this session by their honorable presence.

Session began with the recitation of Holy Quran by Khadija Tahira (B.Ed) and then a welcome note by the focal person Dr. Zarina Akhtar was conveyed. She told the need and scenario of arranging this seminar. After this a brief introduction of Dr. Tanveer Afzal was given by Ms. Kanwal Yasmin (PhD Scholar) and invited him to give his valuable insight of the topic.

Dr.Tanveer Afzal conveyed a thought provoking lecture about Assessment by giving concrete examples and activities. He briefly told that online assessment can be administered remotely; it brings inclusiveness with its attribute of easy to access. He interestingly made an educational abbreviation of his name by mentioning M stands for Measure, T stands for Test and A stands for Access. He encouraged the students to know their strengths and weaknesses while they are in assessment process. After this Dr. Munir Kayani was invited for vote of thanks to guest speaker, faculty members, and audiences.

At the end, Chairman Department of Education Dr. Munir Kayani presented a shield and token of appreciation to guest speaker and certificate of appreciation to focal person

Dr. Zarina Akhtar for her valuable contributions in seminar. Organizing team is also honored by certificates of appreciation. This seminar served as key initiative to sensitize students about construction of Online Assessment and enabling personalized learning.