Investigating the Impact of the Smart Classroom Approach on Girls' Education: Challenges and Opportunities at BUETK

Abstract

Girls' education is crucial for personal empowerment and the socio-economic development of a nation. In the digital era, technology has transformed the teaching and learning process, making education more accessible and interactive. Smart classrooms, as technologically advanced learning environments, have been introduced in various universities across Pakistan to enhance educational outcomes. However, the effective integration of technology in these classrooms requires students, especially girls, to be technologically literate. This study explores the impact of the smart classroom approach on girls' education, with a particular focus on their learning experiences, challenges, and levels of engagement. Utilizing a qualitative research design, it employs focused group interviews with 15 female students from computer science and education disciplines at Balochistan University of Engineering and Technology Khuzdar (BUETK). The findings highlight that while smart classrooms offer significant benefits for future education delivery, their success depends on comprehensive teacher training and curriculum redesign for sustainable technology integration. Additionally, technological literacy among female students has improved, enabling them to engage more effectively in learning. However, challenges such as limited infrastructure, insufficient teacher training, and socio-cultural barriers persist, particularly in regions like Khuzdar, Balochistan.