The proposed project includes tablets for over 700,000 teachers, smart classrooms and expanded teacher training across Bangladesh.
The government has proposed a Tk 17,938 crore project to increase technology use in secondary and higher secondary education. The plan includes one tablet for more than 700,000 teachers across the country.
The information was provided by officials of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE). The project also plans to create at least 10 smart classrooms in each educational institution.
The plan covers government and private schools, colleges and madrasas under the DSHE. The final tablet distribution list may consider teacher numbers, MPO status and other administrative information.
After the project is finalised, the relevant authorities will publish the list and related instructions.
10 smart classrooms in each institution
The project aims to make classrooms more technology-based. At least 10 smart classrooms will be set up in each educational institution.
Each classroom will have an interactive education panel. Institutions will also receive 100 Mbps broadband connections.
A unified ‘Edu ID’ will be introduced for teachers and students. DSHE officials said these facilities will support digital content, online learning materials and multimedia classes.
The initiative is also expected to expand students’ access to technology-based learning.
Teacher training institutes planned in 32 districts
The government also plans to strengthen teacher training facilities. Higher Secondary Teachers Training Institutes (HSTTI) are proposed for 32 major districts.
The estimated cost for this part of the initiative is Tk 4,200 crore. The aim is to increase access to teacher training at the regional level.
Under the proposed Higher Secondary Teachers Professional Development Project (HSTPDP), 100,000 teachers will receive training. The estimated cost is Tk 1,200 crore.
Teachers will receive 35-day subject-based training through blended learning. The plan also includes 23-day leadership training for 10,000 principals and vice-principals.
An orientation programme will also be arranged for 4,000 governing body members.
Over 350,000 teachers targeted for training
The World Bank-supported Learning Acceleration in Secondary Education (LAISE) project has set a target of training 360,566 teachers.
Under the programme, 26,880 new teachers will receive 56-day residential basic training. Another 53,760 teachers will receive 42-day residential professional development training.
The project also includes several specialised training programmes. A total of 24,400 head teachers of secondary schools and madrasas will receive 21-day leadership training.
These head teachers will provide internal information and communication technology (ICT) training to other teachers at their institutions.
In addition, 11,000 teachers will receive training on climate and disaster risk reduction. Another 118,340 teachers will receive training on student mental health, counselling and bullying prevention.
Plans also include ICT training for 29,585 teachers.
Focus on teacher skills and technology
DSHE Director General Professor Dr. Khan Moinuddin Al Mahmud Sohel said talented people are losing interest in the teaching profession.
He said the government is giving special attention to improving education quality and developing teachers’ professional skills. He also said efforts are being made to increase the use of technology in education.
The proposed measures cover teacher devices, smart classrooms, internet access and professional training. The final project details, teacher list and distribution instructions will be issued by the relevant authorities after the project is finalised.
