Fighting COVID-19 and Continuing the Education: A Case Study of the University of Baltistan, Skardu

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic resulted in uncertain changes in the working of universities across the globe.  Studies showed that teaching and learning at the higher education institutions in a far-flung, undeveloped, remote mountainous regions with unstable and substandard internet access posed huge challenges to both the teachers and the students under the siege of the pandemic. This case study has portrayed how a neophyte university in a remote context in Pakistan responded to the Pandemic by shifting the paradigm from a traditional mode to a virtual and blended mode of teaching and learning. Data for the study were collated through interviews, document reviews, and participatory and non-participatory observations. Findings show that vibrant leadership, dedication from the faculty members, and timely response and support from the administration play a key role to sustain higher education amidst internal and external challenges. Findings further portray the process of how the university continued the higher education with care and wellbeing of the students, faculty, and staff members. The study has pertinent implications for university leadership and higher education providers in the country and elsewhere.