The authorities are planning to broadcast lessons through radio besides ongoing educational programme on Sangshad Television channel while the Education Sector has embraced long shutdown since March 17, which may extend till September. University Grants Commission said classes could be held at higher level on weekly holidays to adjust the gap after reopening the universities. Besides, the radio, television and other communication channels could dispense lessons for schooling the school and college-goers. Alternative education channel also can be established to foster e-learning. Globally, around 90% of the students are in lockdown and it’s going to hit poor kids much harder than the rich ones. All examinations, including the Higher Secondary Certificate and equivalent exams, scheduled to be started on April 1, the periodic exams in the schools, examinations and admission tests at the universities as well as many schools were suspended due to same reason.
The Sangshad Television started broadcasting lessons for secondary level students from March 29 and lessons for primary level students from April 7. The pandemic is going to cause the greatest disruption to education opportunity that the world has experienced in at least a century. Vast segments of the society lack the tools needed for connectivity — be it a working device or reliable internet connection. This digital divide is particularly apparent in rural and urban poverty pockets. Many children, who once had to walk for miles to the nearest school, now have to contend with a lack of digital access in the lockdown.
The global educational platform UNICEF, government agencies, NGOs, information technology giants and mobile phone operators should work together to ensure distance learning for all at this critical moment.
