Online and in-person classes in educational institutions: Decision likely at today’s cabinet meeting
In the context of the global energy crisis, the Ministry of Education has taken an initiative to introduce blended classes—combining online and in-person teaching—in educational institutions in city areas, excluding universities.
A proposal is under consideration to hold classes three days online and three days in person every week.
Classes would alternate between online and in-person formats on consecutive days. Even for online classes, teachers would remain physically present at institutions while delivering lessons. Practical classes would be conducted in person.
The plan will be finalised following consultation with the prime minister or discussion at a cabinet meeting. The proposal may be placed at the cabinet meeting today, Thursday.
Earlier on Tuesday at the secretariat, education minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon told journalists that discussions were underway to introduce online classes alongside in-person teaching. He said the proposal would be presented at Thursday’s cabinet meeting, where a final decision would be taken.
Educational institutions reopened last Sunday after nearly 40 days of closure for Ramadan, Eid-ul-Fitr and other occasions. Meanwhile, many countries have been facing an energy crisis due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, and Bangladesh has also been affected.
In this situation, the idea of partially introducing online teaching has emerged as a way to reduce pressure on energy consumption.
Earlier, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all educational institutions in the country were closed on 17 March 2020. During the roughly one-and-a-half-year closure, online and television-based classes were introduced as alternatives.
However, various studies found that the effectiveness of online and televised teaching was limited. Education experts believe that there is no full substitute for classroom learning, though the need for alternative arrangements considering the circumstances at hand cannot be denied.