Online classes have been introduced on an experimental basis in selected educational institutions in the capital as part of a government initiative to address the global energy crisis and expand digital education. Yet the attendance on the first day remained comparatively low.
This pilot programme formally commenced at 9:am on Sunday through a virtual class at Viqarunnisa Noon School and College. The initiative follows a policy decision by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education to introduce a blended learning framework, combining physical and online instruction.
Under the new arrangement, classes will be held in person three days a week and conducted online on the remaining three days. Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon had earlier stated at a meeting on April 9 that one of the objectives of the initiative is to "motivate students towards digital education".
Acting Principal Majeda Begum said that the institution has already introduced a blended system. "Today is the first online class. Some errors and omissions may occur. If there is any technical problem, it will be resolved," she said, adding that the school branch would gradually be brought under the system.
Due to holidays marking Baisabi festival, Chaitra Sankranti and Pahela Baishakh, online classes were conducted only in the college branch on the opening day, with plans to extend the system to the school section from April 16.
Attendance data from the first day indicates moderate participation. In a commerce class at the Bailey Road main branch, 85 out of 145 students attended, reflecting a participation rate of 58.62 per cent. At the Bashundhara branch, 52 out of 120 students joined, corresponding to an attendance rate of approximately 56 per cent.
Teachers observed that participation in physical classes typically ranges between 85 and 90 per cent, suggesting a notable gap in engagement in the online format. Several instructors cited technical and infrastructural constraints as contributing factors.
One teacher, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, "Many students could not participate despite trying to connect due to poor internet connectivity. Guardians have informed us of this issue." Another teacher added, "Not everyone has access to WiFi. Many depend on mobile data services, which are often unreliable. In some areas, network coverage is weak. Power outages also disrupted connectivity, forcing students to reconnect multiple times. There were also issues with audio clarity during classes."
Most teachers conducted sessions using digital platforms, such as Google Meet, while some utilised Zoom, attending from their respective institutions and delivering lectures virtually.
