A total of 86.62 per cent of higher education level students in the country have smartphones. Many of them, though, have problems with internet and related expenses.
This was revealed in a survey conducted by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in connection with plans to conduct online classes for public universities and all other institutions of higher education during the prevalence of coronavirus.
There are presently 46 autonomous and government universities in the country, though four of these are medical universities. Around 825,000 students study at these universities. And 375,000 study at the country’s 105 private universities.
A large number of students also study at the colleges registered under various public universities. The students have been unable to attend classes as all educational institutions were closed down since 17 March due to coronavirus.
At a meeting with the education minister on 30 April, it was decided that the private universities would commence with online classes and many of these universities have already begun. Classes for the primary and secondary school level are being taken on the Sangsad Television channel. Some colleges are taking online classes too.
An official of UCG said they had no idea that such a massive number of students owned smartphones. They were now thinking of identifying those without the means and providing them smartphones.
At another meeting, discussions were held on how to conduct classes for public universities and other institutions of higher education. Following this, UGC carried out a survey last month regarding online classes for the institutions of higher education. The results of the survey were submitted to the education ministry on Thursday and steps will be taken on the basis of the survey report.
Around 19,000 students and over 7,000 teachers participated in the survey. Among the students, 86.62 per cent said they had smartphones. However, they mentioned problems concerning internet and various other problems about online classes at the moment.
Speaking to Prothom Alo, an official of UCG said they had no idea that such a massive number of students owned smartphones. They were now thinking of identifying those without the means and providing them with smartphones. ADB was willing to pay internet costs for online higher education till September. Discussions are on in this regard and the education ministry will also provide assistance.
UGC wants all universities to conduct online classes during the prevalence of coronavirus. A UGC member said that now the universities will be approached regarding their views in this regard.
UGC member Dil Afroze Begum told Prothom Alo that they felt if coronavirus continued for much longer, it would not be possible to avoid a session jam even with extra classes once the universities opened. That is why initiative was being taken for all universities to hold online classes.