Discussion at global event delves into the upcoming advancements in educational technology within Bangladesh
In the heart of Dhaka, on August 3, 20XX, the CIRDAP Auditorium played host to an international workshop titled "EdTech Futures: Bridging Innovation and Impact in Bangladesh." The event, organised under the theme "Empowering Learning through Technology: From Classrooms to Policy Rooms," aimed to create a collaborative platform for discussing research insights, practical interventions, and policy recommendations in the EdTech space.
The workshop was coordinated by MOMODa Foundation and saw the participation of senior officials from the National Curriculum and Textbook Board, the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education, and the DIKKHA Project. Key presentations were delivered by Professor Dr Abu S Shonchoy (Florida International University), Professor Dr Christine Ho (London School of Economics), and Professor Dr Tomoki Fujii (Singapore Management University).
The first session was chaired by Prof Dr Atonu Rabbani of the University of Dhaka, while the second session, "Policy and Partnership for EdTech," was chaired by Prof Dr Ahsan Habib. The high-level roundtable titled "The Future of Education & Technology in Bangladesh" was moderated by Prof Dr Rubaiya Murshed.
Research findings from technology-focused education interventions in Bangladesh were shared during the workshop. One study showed that mobile phone-based information sharing can improve study habits and exam readiness among marginalized students. Another study found that motivational messaging was more impactful than direct cash incentives in promoting school attendance. A third study showed that conditional cash transfers helped mitigate the adverse effects of seasonal migration on education.
The key findings and recommendations of the workshop emphasized the need for hybrid educational technology models that combine both online and offline resources. These models aim to effectively address Bangladesh's diverse educational contexts and infrastructure challenges. The workshop recommended moving beyond purely digital solutions to incorporate physical books, offline materials, and digital content that complements different learning styles and connectivity realities.
The workshop also stressed the importance of integrating skill-based courses alongside academic content to prepare students for evolving economic demands, positioning EdTech as a comprehensive career development platform rather than just an academic tool.
Discussions during the session addressed current gaps and future priorities for integrating technology into the national education system. Improving capacity, ensuring compliance, and fostering sustainable public-private partnerships were topics of discussion.
The event concluded with a crest handover ceremony, marking the successful culmination of the workshop. The international workshop "EdTech Futures: Bridging Innovation and Impact in Bangladesh" underlined the importance of contextualized, inclusive EdTech approaches that bridge innovation and practical impact in Bangladesh’s education sector.
[1] For more information, please refer to the research findings and recommendations presented at the workshop.
Technology played a crucial role in the presentations and discussions at the "EdTech Futures: Bridging Innovation and Impact in Bangladesh" workshop, where research findings from technology-focused education interventions were shared. The recommendations emphasized the need for hybrid educational technology models that integrate both online and offline resources for effective education in diverse contexts.
The event further highlighted the potential of technology in self-development and career advancement, stressing the importance of integrating skill-based courses alongside academic content to prepare students for evolving economic demands, making EdTech a comprehensive career development platform.
