Education is an ever-evolving pursuit. Both in terms of delivery and reception, the content and the mode of learning must continue to be re-imagined in order to fit the needs of the students. After all, the ultimate goal is to assist learners to sustainably gain knowledge that they can utilise in later aspects of their lives. During recent times, the education sector of Bangladesh has observed acceleration and development through an overall growth in digitisation and modernisation. This has resulted in education becoming more accessible — both in terms of location and affordability. 

When asked about the gaps in the Bangladeshi education sector, Sakib Bin Rashid, Content Consultant at 10 Minute School, says, "Most opportunities for educational pursuits are centralised to Dhaka, and that is where one of the biggest gaps in our current education system lies. There is a significant inadequacy of access to quality education outside Dhaka and the more remote areas of the country. The next big problem is that of the employability of students and young graduates, many of whom often pass their board exams or graduate with flying colours, but find themselves without skills. Affordability is another major concern." 

Rashid adds, "I believe that while these problems continue to persist, online learning has attempted to, and been successful in mitigating these gaps. Online platforms enable students to receive quality education and opportunities for skill development, regardless of their geographical location, that too for a very reasonable and affordable price."  

Online learning is an idea that had been developing for a few years before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. It took full form and reached global acceptance due to the limitations posed by worldwide lockdowns. Online platforms such as 10 Minute School and Shikho had been developing innovative solutions to the limitations of our education system. However, after 2020, what we considered "normal" had taken new forms, leading to the restructuring of most social and functional pursuits.  

Thus, in order to facilitate the possibilities of remote learning, and allow students to continue with their education as seamlessly as possible, most institutions had decided to move to online classrooms as the mode of conducting classes and examinations.  

According to Nazmun Nahar, Director of The Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of North South University (NSU), "The first decision was to move to online teaching. Without much delay, Google Classroom was selected as the virtual classroom platform and Google Meet was selected as the medium for classroom delivery. Faculty members were trained within a short time, and students were also informed about the new platforms.

Class lectures were recorded and posted in the virtual classroom to facilitate student learning. Based on faculty feedback, NSU authority purchased a 'Digital graphic tablet' for all faculty members of the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences that helped faculty members teach maths and science-based courses. All classrooms have been equipped with devices for online teaching. In the later part of the COVID-19 pandemic (summer 2021), North South University introduced 'CANVAS', a powerful state-of-the-art Learning Management System (LMS), widely used by universities in the developed world. It can be used for both online and physical classroom settings. The adoption of 'CANVAS' is a significant leap for NSU towards modernising its teaching and learning ecosystem." 

Similarly, BRAC University (BRACU) was also quick to move towards online learning as a result of the pandemic, however, they decided to develop their own platform, catering to the specific needs of their students.  

Dr David Dowland, Registrar of BRAC University, said, "BRAC University went online at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. That prompt action avoided session jam and enabled students to make progress without interruption. The University created and launched its own online learning platform, called buX, which was built on a platform developed by MIT and Harvard. buX enables students to learn from wherever they are, making learning interactive and lively. Some of the features of this platform include offline viewing, integrated assignments and grading, and user-friendliness. Moreover, BRACU is a part of the Open Society University Network (OSUN), a prestigious international network of universities. This enables students to participate in online classes and activities with students from across the world." 

He continued, "BRACU believes that blended learning – a mix of online and in-person learning – is a vital instrument in higher education." 

 While the world has moved on from much of the temporary conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic, certain lessons and shifts should be carried forward for greater efficiency and development.  

When we asked why Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) decided to incorporate new instruments to facilitate students and their education, Rajib Bhowmick, Director of Media and Public Relations at IUB, responded, "The 4th Industrial Revolution is almost upon us. Bangladesh missed the first three revolutions, but we do not want to miss the train this time because the 4th Industrial Revolution will most definitely take us to the next level of prosperity. The government has taken various measures to create an environment conducive for the youth to harness the power of digital technologies. IUB also is a strong supporter of this thought and the various steps taken at IUB are meant to ensure that all our students emerge as globally competitive graduates. As one of the oldest and most respected private universities in the country, IUB adopted a policy for comprehensive digitalisation decades ago." 

Online learning platforms are not the only frontiers adapted to move along the pursuit of education. In order for students to gain transferable skills in the real world, and be competitive on a global scale, many other instruments have been introduced in universities and other educational institutions around the country.

"Recently, IUB has introduced a revolutionary programme called "Coding for All," under which, every student, irrespective of their concentrations, is required to acquire basic computer coding skills. We are also almost ready to launch the Robotics and Internet of Things (RIoT) Lab where students and researchers will be able to work with state-of-the-art robotics and engineering. Currently, IUB is setting up the first-ever trading lab at the university level in Bangladesh in collaboration with LankaBangla Finance Limited. At this lab, final-year students will be able to practically learn stock trading under the supervision and guidance of experienced faculty members and executives from LankaBangla Finance Limited. Furthermore, there is a full-fledged "Fabrication Lab" or Fab Lab at IUB, which is a digital laboratory where anyone can make almost anything, using digital design, 3D printers, laser cutting, and other advanced technologies," added Rajib Bhowmick, when speaking of the new frontiers IUB has implemented to facilitate their students.

The results of such changes are already being observed. According to 10 Minute School, they have connected to 25 million students through their digital platforms and social media channels. From their pool of learners from all across the country, 54 per cent of learners come from suburban and rural areas, allowing them to take the pursuit of education throughout Bangladesh, regardless of geographic barriers.

In today's socio-political climate, it is pertinent that individuals grow to become aware and capable citizens of the global village, and education is the means through which that can be achieved. Thus, the implementation and widespread usage of new technology and modes of education can truly enhance the future of our country and the lives of its people.

Photo: Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB)

Syed Afrin Tarannum is a sub-editor at SHOUT, The Daily Star.