Dow University launches National Outreach Program for Higher Education Faculty in collaboration with HEC

KARACHI: Opening ceremony of the NAHE-DUHS National Outreach Program for Higher Education Faculty held at Digital Library, DMC.The event was graced by Vice Chancellor DUHS Prof. Muhammad Saeed Quraishy, Prof. Yahya Noori Director Digital Learning, Sulaiman Ahmed Director NAHE, Sohail Mangi Assistant Director NAHE, Prof. Dr. Zulfqiar Memon, Resource Persons, and Faculty Members. NAHE is a Four-Week Faculty Development program at Dow University of Health Sciences in Karachi. It is an initiative under the National Outreach Program for Higher Education Faculty, in collaboration with the HEC National Academy of Higher Education (NAHE). Prof Mohammed Saeed Quraishy said that the dynamic modules offered by NAHE related to Technology Integration In Higher Education, and we as Educators will be able to learn to navigate the evolving digital landscape, gaining skills to design innovative learning environments and use innovative teaching methodologies. They explore using various tools to enhance teaching and learning in an AI driven world. Whereas, in the Communication Skills Module, faculty will be able to assimilate and deploy effective speaking strategies to develop impactful narratives for their presentations and teaching sessions. There is also a module on Research and Development, with a focus on learning the latest Research techniques in the bio-sciences, improve academic Writing Skills, and even Identifying research topics important to us as per our DUHS Strategic Areas of Interest, and linked to socio- economic development and applied research in Pakistan. This program is designed to enhance the professional competencies of 32 lecturers and assistant professors from 26 various departments, as per the eligibility criteria of the program, where the selected faculty members will participate in an intensive and transformative learning experience in order to Improve the pedagogical/andragogical skills and teaching methodologies in order to elevate the overall quality of instruction and learning outcomes at Dow. For this program a platform has been created for faculty members to share best practices, research findings, and successful case studies, fostering a collaborative and supportive academic community. The outreach program comprises of 10 comprehensive modules each focusing on critical areas essential for academic and professional growth of a young faculty member. These modules will range from discussions about academic planning to modern teaching methodologies, and the integration of technology in education, capacity building in research skills. Each module will be delivered by expert resource persons, renowned in their respective fields, ensuring that participants gain valuable insights and practical knowledge. One of those experts is Prof. Dr. Zulfqiar Memon, who will be facilitating the first module entitled, "Teaching as a Profession in Higher Education”. Meanwhile, the program and its modules will encourage the adoption of innovative teaching techniques, digital tools, and modern educational technologies to enrich the learning experience and to adapt to evolving academic environments, Faculty development is also in alignment with advancing the SDG Goals, particularly Goals 4 which is Quality Education, whereby this training will foster quality education and innovation, across various sectors, including education and healthcare. Ms Sanam Soomro is the training coordinator for this program..NAHE director Mr Sulaimam Ahmed also remarked that the National Outreach program for higher education faculty is at the doorstep of the University and that Dow is to be congratulated to be the First to offer it at its doorstep in Sindh Province