Assessment of the e-Learning System of Virtual University of Pakistan

The study deals with the online mode of education by the Virtual University of Pakistan (VUP), in its quality improvement and providing education at the doorstep. The paper covers rationales of Moodle-based learning management system to provide higher education to the students of VUP. The focus of e-learning is towards the working class, on-the-job work force training, deprived people and women in particular, who due to different reasons cannot afford to go to the universities often. It has the potential to empower women through overcoming their physical boundaries and provide them access to higher education. In VUP, students and instructors are physically detached; nevertheless, the e-learning system facilitates their learning / teaching process. This study provides the SWOT analysis of e-learning system which is a cost-effective solution in a developing country like Pakistan. It sheds light on the modernization of goals of higher education sector, tertiary education innovation, transformation, and enhancing educational services by providing unlimited access to knowledge. E-learning brings transformation in conventional universities and increased flexibility. The findings of the study would considerably help identify policy intervention by top leadership and donor agencies to ensure that deprived people, especially women, are empowered from e-learning. It reduces the gender divide and facilitate their access to the higher education.