Computer Science Educator · Academic Professional

Aleem Akhtar

Computer Science Educator | Programming and ICT Education | Technology Enhanced Learning | Academic Research | Applied Software Development

Computer Science educator and academic professional with 12+ years of experience in college and university teaching, programming instruction, ICT education, student mentoring, academic coordination, and applied software development.

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Portrait of Aleem Akhtar

About

A concise academic profile.

Aleem Akhtar is a Computer Science educator, academic leader, and applied technical professional with more than 12 years of experience across college and university teaching, programming instruction, ICT education, student mentoring, and software development.

His teaching background includes Computer Science, ICT, programming fundamentals, object oriented programming, web engineering, network security, operating systems, research methodology, computational tools, and lab based learning. He has taught intermediate, associate degree, BS CS, and BS IT students, supporting both conceptual learning and practical computing skills.

His academic work includes Computer Science and IT teaching, departmental coordination, student mentoring, examination responsibilities, assessment design, curriculum support, and academic guidance. His applied software development experience helps connect classroom teaching with practical computing, web technologies, mobile applications, and real world software systems.

Research interests include ICT in education, computer assisted learning, teacher assisted learning, programming education, Technology Enhanced Learning, Computer Science education, student assessment, teacher education, and educational informatics.

Research Interests

My research interests focus on how digital tools, structured feedback, and teacher supported learning can improve the way students learn programming and Computer Science.

  • Technology Enhanced Learning
  • Computer Science Education
  • ICT in Education
  • Computer Assisted Learning
  • Educational Technology
  • Educational Informatics

Teaching Philosophy

My teaching approach is based on conceptual clarity, practical engagement, guided problem solving, and continuous feedback. In programming courses, I focus on helping students move beyond syntax memorisation towards code tracing, logic building, debugging, and independent problem solving. I use lab based learning, structured examples, assessment tasks, and educational technology to support student learning.

Teaching Areas

Subjects and teaching areas delivered across college and university level.

Programming Fundamentals
Object Oriented Programming
Web Engineering
Network Security
Operating Systems
Computer Networks
Distributed Database Systems
Database Management Systems
Research Methodology
Applications of ICT
Computational Physics
Statistical Computing
Entrepreneurship
Introduction to Computers
Fundamentals of Computing
E Commerce
Lab Based Programming Practice
Programming Logic and Problem Solving

My teaching practice focuses on conceptual clarity, practical computing skills, guided lab work, assessment design, student mentoring, and connecting theoretical Computer Science topics with applied examples.

MS Thesis, CLEARN

CLEARN, A Cross Platform Application to Assist Intermediate Students in Learning C Language Using Flutter SDK

CLEARN is a Flutter based learning application developed as part of an MS Computer Science thesis to support intermediate level students in learning C programming. The application included topic explanations, code examples, click based code explanations, Parson puzzles, and classroom based evaluation using pre test and post test activities.

Topic explanations
Code examples
Click based explanations
Parson puzzles
Offline learning support
Cross platform design
Classroom based evaluation
Pre test and post test design
View Thesis Summary View CLEARN Project
CLEARN application preview showing C code on screen

Selected Publications and Research Outputs

Selected research outputs in computing education and related areas.

  1. Evolution of Ant Colony Optimization Algorithm, A Brief Literature Review A Akhtar arXiv preprint arXiv:1908.08007, 2019
    View
  2. Teaching parallel programming using Java A Shafi, A Akhtar, A Javed, B Carpenter 2014 Workshop on Education for High Performance Computing, 56-63, 2014, IEEE
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  3. Popularity ranking of database management systems A Akhtar arXiv preprint arXiv:2301.00847, 2023
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  4. Role of Apache Software Foundation in big data projects A Akhtar arXiv preprint arXiv:2005.02829, 2020
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  5. Implementation of course recommender system for Virtual University of Pakistan A Akhtar arXiv preprint arXiv:2008.07867, 2020
    View
  6. Design and Implementation of Parallel Debugger and Profiler for MPJ Express A Akhtar, A Shafi, M Jameel arXiv preprint arXiv:1408.6347, 2014
    View

Professional Experience

Teaching, academic, research, and applied software development roles.

  1. Lecturer in Computer Science

    Higher Education Department, Punjab · Govt. Graduate College, G.T. Road, Jhelum

    April 2018 – Present

    Teach Computer Science and ICT courses at college and undergraduate level, with responsibilities across programming instruction, lab based learning, student mentoring, assessment design, curriculum support, and academic coordination.

    • Deliver Computer Science and ICT courses to intermediate and undergraduate students, including programming, web technologies, research methodology, computational tools, and applied ICT.
    • Design assignments, lab tasks, quizzes, and examinations to support conceptual understanding, programming practice, and practical computing skills.
    • Conduct lab based sessions to help students connect programming concepts with implementation, debugging, problem solving, and applied software tools.
    • Support academic advising, student counselling, examination duties, departmental coordination, and discipline related responsibilities.
    • Contribute to curriculum support, assessment planning, and teaching related academic activities within the CS and IT department.
    • Integrate educational technology and practical computing examples into teaching to improve student engagement and learning.

  2. Software Developer, Remote

    AutoScale Ventures

    November 2024 – Present

    Contribute to remote software development projects involving web systems, dashboards, APIs, and maintainable application modules.

    • Develop and maintain reusable software components, translating technical requirements into clean, structured, and maintainable code.
    • Support performance, reliability, and usability improvements across web based systems and internal tools.
    • Work with distributed teams using version control, project management tools, and clear technical communication.
    • Apply practical experience in PHP, Linux, web applications, APIs, and system level problem solving.
    • Maintain current exposure to applied software engineering practices, supporting a stronger connection between programming, ICT, and Computer Science teaching.

  3. Visiting Lecturer in Computer Science

    Punjab Group of Colleges

    July 2022 – March 2023

    Taught Computer Science courses to BS IT and BS CS students, with emphasis on programming, web technologies, network security, databases, operating systems, and applied computing.

    • Delivered undergraduate courses including Web Engineering, Network Security, Fundamentals of Computer Programming, Distributed Database Systems, Operating Systems, and Computer Networks.
    • Supported students in programming logic, technical problem solving, coursework preparation, and examination readiness.
    • Supervised and guided students in final year project related academic work.
    • Connected theoretical computing concepts with practical examples from software development, systems, networks, and databases.

  4. Independent Software Developer, Web and Mobile Projects

    Upwork

    January 2011 – November 2022

    Delivered freelance web and mobile development projects for international clients, with experience in application development, responsive interfaces, databases, and technical problem solving.

    • Completed 75+ freelance software projects across web, mobile, and application development.
    • Maintained a 100% job success record through reliable delivery, clear communication, and practical problem solving.
    • Built and maintained web applications, mobile applications, dashboards, CMS based websites, and database driven systems.
    • Worked with technologies including Flutter, PHP, Laravel, JavaScript, Python, MySQL, Firebase, and WordPress.
    • Developed practical software experience that supports teaching of programming, ICT, web technologies, and applied Computer Science.

  5. Lecturer in Computer Science

    Punjab Group of Colleges

    October 2014 – April 2018

    Taught Computer Science and ICT courses to intermediate and undergraduate students, focusing on computing fundamentals, programming concepts, E Commerce, lab based learning, and examination preparation.

    • Delivered Computer Science courses to intermediate, associate degree, and undergraduate students.
    • Taught key modules including Fundamentals of Computing and E Commerce, Introduction to Computers, programming concepts, and applied ICT.
    • Conducted lectures, tutorials, and lab based sessions to strengthen students' understanding of computing concepts and practical skills.
    • Prepared students for board and university level assessments through structured teaching, revision, and guided practice.
    • Supported academic advising, student learning, classroom management, and departmental teaching activities.

  6. Research Assistant, High Performance Computing

    School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, NUST

    December 2013 – September 2014

    Worked on an ICT R&D funded High Performance Computing research project at SEECS, NUST, contributing to MPJ Express, parallel Java programming tools, debugging, profiling, documentation, and performance evaluation.

    • Contributed to MPJ Express 2.0, a research project focused on parallel Java computing and High Performance Computing tools.
    • Worked on debugging and profiling support for parallel Java programmes, helping improve analysis of distributed and parallel execution.
    • Assisted with testing, documentation, and performance evaluation of research software components.
    • Supported research and development activities connected with Java, parallel programming, distributed systems, and computing education.
    • Contributed to research outputs related to High Performance Computing and parallel programming education.

Education

MS Computer Science

Virtual University of Pakistan

October 2019 – March 2025

  • CGPA: 3.96 / 4.00
  • Specialisation: Databases
  • Thesis: CLEARN, A Cross Platform Application to Assist Intermediate Students in Learning C Language Using Flutter SDK

MSc Computer Science

Virtual University of Pakistan

March 2014 – November 2015

  • CGPA: 3.86 / 4.00

Bachelor of Information and Communication System Engineering

National University of Sciences and Technology, NUST

September 2009 – June 2013

  • CGPA: 3.49 / 4.00

Projects

Academic and Educational Technology Projects

CLEARN, C Programming Learning App

Flutter based learning application designed to support C programming students through structured topic explanations, code examples, click based explanations, Parson puzzles, and classroom based evaluation.

  • Flutter
  • C Programming
  • Programming Education
  • Technology Enhanced Learning
  • Student Learning

Course Recommender System for Virtual University of Pakistan

Research oriented project connected with course recommendation and educational data.

  • Recommender Systems
  • Educational Technology
  • Higher Education

Teaching Parallel Programming Using Java

Work connected with parallel programming education and MPJ Express research output.

  • Java
  • Parallel Programming
  • HPC Education
  • Computing Education

Applied Software Development Projects

Selected applied software development experience includes web applications, mobile applications, dashboards, APIs, CMS based systems, database driven applications, and remote software development projects.

Web and Mobile Application Development
Dashboard and API Development
Cross Platform Applications
Database Driven Systems

Student Projects and Academic Supervision

Supervised and supported BS level students in academic projects, programming tasks, coursework, and final year project related activities.

Final Year Project Supervision, BS CS and BS IT

Programming and Web Technology Projects

Database and Information System Projects

Student Research and Coursework Guidance

  1. A Cross-Platform Application for Water Sports Activities
  2. Comparative Analysis of Password Cracking Techniques
  3. A Study on Digital Awareness and Behavior in Information Security
  4. A Cross-Platform Application for Workload Assessment
  5. AI Based Intrusion Detection System
  6. Leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs) for Enhanced Cybersecurity: A Comprehensive Review
  7. Skill Swap – A Skill Exchange Platform
  8. PyScanner: The Python Vulnerability Scanner
  9. Cross-Platform College Attendance and Struck-Off Management System
  10. A Review of Web Development Frameworks (Angular vs. React vs. Vue)
  11. Android Based Secure File Sharing Application
  12. Cyber Security in the Internet of Things (IoT)
  13. A Systematic Review of Sustainable Energy Technologies
  14. An AI-Based Educational Chatbot for Students and Teachers
  15. A Cross-Platform Fitness Tracker Application
  16. An AI-Based Progressive Quiz Generator
  17. A Web-Based Students Progress Monitor
  18. Advanced Course Recommender System
  19. A Railway Ticket Booking System
  20. Buying and Selling of Old Books
  21. WordPress Based Monthly Expense Calculator System
  22. Parlour Management System

Skills

Computer Science Teaching

  • Computer Science Education
  • Programming Instruction
  • Object Oriented Programming
  • Programming Fundamentals
  • Web Engineering
  • Network Security
  • Operating Systems
  • Computer Networks
  • Database Systems
  • Lab Based Teaching
  • Student Assessment

ICT and Educational Technology

  • ICT in Education
  • Technology Enhanced Learning
  • Educational Technology
  • Computer Assisted Learning
  • Teacher Assisted Learning
  • Learning Application Design
  • Student Centred Learning
  • Educational Informatics

Programming and Technical Skills

  • C
  • C++
  • Java
  • Python
  • PHP
  • JavaScript
  • Dart
  • Flutter
  • Laravel
  • MySQL
  • Firebase
  • Git
  • GitHub
  • Linux
  • REST APIs
  • Web Applications
  • Mobile Applications

Research Skills

  • Research Methodology
  • Educational Research
  • Literature Review
  • Pre Test and Post Test Design
  • Scientific Writing
  • LaTeX
  • Overleaf
  • Jupyter
  • Performance Evaluation
  • Academic Research

Academic Leadership

  • Academic Coordination
  • Curriculum Support
  • Student Mentoring
  • Student Counselling
  • Examination Duties
  • Assessment Planning
  • Departmental Coordination
  • Teacher Training
  • Workshop Facilitation

Certifications and Language Proficiency

Language Proficiency

  • PTE Academic: 87 out of 90 (CEFR C2 equivalent)
  • English: Full Professional Proficiency
  • Urdu: Native or Bilingual

Certifications

  • Arc Certified Remote Developer

Awards and Honours

  • ICT R&D full scholarship during undergraduate studies at NUST
  • Speed Programming Winner
  • Anti Speed Programming Winner
  • Coding competition achievements
  • Semester GPA scholarships at NUST

Contact

For academic collaboration, Computer Science education, educational technology, programming education, and research related discussions, please feel free to connect.

Email Aleem Akhtar