Delegates from the Ministry of Higher Education Review Kardan University’s IT Facilities and Preparedness for Conducting Online Classes

A MoHE delegation comprising of Dr. Omar Khawari, Advisor Academic Affairs, Shukria Jamal, IT Administrator, and some Computer Science Teachers from Kabul University, visited Kardan University on March 16, 2020. They reviewed the IT facilities and got a briefing on Kardan University’s capability and preparedness for conducting online classes. This comes at a time when educational institutions are ordered to halt classes amid the developing situation with the spread of COVID-19 in Afghanistan and around the world. However, the Ministry has recommended that institutions utilize available resources to ensure continuity of the learning process in a virtual manner.

Mr. Mirwais Nahzat, Chief Operating Officer, Kardan University, provided a detailed presentation of the University’s IT infrastructure and facilities. Vice-Chancellor Academics, Ms. Meena Rahmani, briefed the delegation on the Management Information System (MIS) and the Learning Management System (LMS), which will work as the platform for the online classes.

“We understand the fact that students should not attend classes physically; however, we will do our best to conduct online classes using the available technologies,” said Mr. Roeen Rahmani, Chancellor, Kardan University.

Dr. Khawari opined, “compared to some other countries in the region, Afghanistan lags in the higher education sector due to prolonged wars and political instability. Therefore, every effort should be made to help academic institutions keep operating, and it is great to see Kardan University taking the lead to conduct online classes.”

Mr. Qais Mohammadi, Academic Administrator, Economics Department, explained the process of how the online system will operate.

Towards the end, MoHE representatives appreciated Kardan University’s relentless efforts to establish an online teaching system. They indicated that the university could act as a role model for other academic institutions in the country. They also visited the Journalism Studio, Library, Laboratories, Moot Court, and other departments of the university.

Kardan University leadership will continue discussions with the Ministry to ensure access and effectiveness of the online classes for all students.