By: AswathyP
The government is considering strategies to ensure proper education for children amid the pandemic, with improving online access and redesigning the physical class model
Students across the world are suffering immensely with their studies interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. There are now suggestions for launching a combined, hybrid education system, using both online and offline platforms.
These suggestions came at a webinar on Thursday night and Bangladesh also agreed on the matter.
NextGenEdu, in collaboration with The Edtech Hub, hosted the virtual session on reopening schools with reimagined learning.
NextGenEdu helps educational institutions adapt to the rapidly changing landscape driven by technology, while The EdTech Hub aims to increase the use of evidence to inform decision-making about education technology.
Participating as a panellist, Bangladesh Deputy Minister for Education Mohibul Hassan Chowdhoury said: “Online classes have already been started at our higher education institutions and lectures have been disseminated through Sangsad Television for primary and secondary school students. But it is not enough to get the outcome of education as there is no interaction between teachers and students, and there is no group work or peer communication.
“So, we are thinking about many strategies to ensure proper education for children in Bangladesh amid the pandemic, with improving online access and redesigning the physical class model.
“Firstly, we shall have a platform or website where all the necessary content, lectures and videos, will be uploaded for students. This platform will be used for disseminating and receiving content. Pupils will get subsidies for internet connections to use the platform. Secondly, as students are missing the social aspect of learning due to absence of group work, and the interaction with teachers, we will allow a limited number of students in schools with staggered classes, in light of the Covid-19 situation.”
He said holidays would be revised to accommodate these teaching models in coordination with teachers.
Molly Jamieson Eberhardt, director (engagement) of EdTech Hub, moderated the session, while Sonam Wangchuk, founding director of SECMOL, India; Jim Ackers, regional education adviser to Unicef-South Asia; Tony McAleavy, research director of Education Development Trust, United Kingdom; and Wambura Kimunyu, Group CEO of Eneza Education, Kenya; participated in the webinar.
Mohibul Hassan said: “It is a political decision as to how much we can subsidize education to ensure devices and internet [services].”
Jim Ackers said: “Combined education might be more useful than traditional classes as students can access much content on online platforms. On the other hand, small groups of students in class may ensure an education rather than having a large number of students.”
Sonam Wangchuk said: “We should empower our teachers, engage learners, and ensure equity in access to new models of education.”
