AS A country of demographic dividend, Bangladesh needs and has the scope to develop a pool of technologically sound house resources which can meet the demand of today鈥檚 knowledge economies at home and abroad. So, it is necessary to bring about certain changes in education, making a higher use of technology.
In fact, education is undergoing a seismic transformation worldwide, trend which is fuelled by shifts in integration of technology, teaching methods and learning environments. Most classrooms are no longer confined by physical walls nor are they limited by conventional rote learning.
It is interesting to note that we are stepping into a new era. In such a transitional phase, it requires us to change our educational practices to foster adaptability, critical thinking and creativity. The qualities, as research on education suggests, are mandatory for a new generation of students to help them navigate complexities of the rapidly evolving world smoothly.
Bangladeshi youth, too, are required to be prepared for capturing opportunities and overcoming challenges to be emanating from the changes that are taking place around us. In education, technology and design thinking are playing a crucial role in such transformation by creating new pathways for learning and student engagement.
Design thinking is a human-centred problem-solving approach that enables students to solve challenges through creativity and empathy. For example, in Finland, many schools have reportedly adopted interdisciplinary projects and a unique learning environment that will promote critical thinking and teamwork among learners. Australia also emphasises design thinking and empowers its students to apply practical solutions to pressing matters.
The role of technology has also grown significantly. From adaptive learning systems by artificial intelligence to gamified educational platforms, the tools are personalising the learning experience and making it more fun and interactive. Gamification uses game design to create engaging and interactive experiences for the students and encourage them to stay motivated and develop resilience.
Schools in the United States have demonstrated that strategic integration of tech products has improved academic performance. Globally, schools have already started the shift and it is making a positive impact. It is, therefore, high time Bangladesh took steps towards such a transformation.
Several schools have begun their journey towards educational innovation such as like transforming traditional classrooms to digital classrooms and integrating online learning platforms. However, the emphasis on rote learning and standardising tests still persists among many schools countrywide, a reality which poses a challenge. Unfortunately, most still overlook the fact that by embracing design thinking, educators can create student-centred learning spaces that will address more local needs.
Furthermore, it is proved that gamification has the power to make learning more enjoyable. It will motivate students and help them to improve their learning outcomes, especially those who might be struggling in rote learning.
Bangladeshi students can better prepare themselves for the demands of a knowledge-drive economy by emphasising the development of critical thinking and innovation.
Such approach empowers students to engage in hands-on projects that promote problem-solving skills and creativity. Engineering robotics, for example, allow students to collaborate with design and programme robots that can solve real-world challenges. Students can virtually experience Mars exploration or carry out surveillance tasks. These activities use game-like simulations to develop computational thinking and perseverance.
It will be highly beneficial for schools to adopt the innovations and align them with their contextual and cultural needs. Such an approach will enable schools to keep pace with global trends and empower students to create meaningful impact.
Teacher training is also a critical aspect of the shift. So, workshops, professional development programme and peer support can play vital roles in ensuring educators feel confident with innovative methods.
As Bangladesh is increasingly adopting technology to attain higher skills, knowledge and productivity, the country should also invest in educational technology and design thinking to develop an ecosystem that will foster inclusivity, innovation and lifelong learning.
Such use of technology in education will brighten the human face of students. Imagine students across Bangladesh are identifying and addressing local issues, such as social inequality and waste management, and working towards them through empathy-driven projects. We can help to develop such a vision into reality if we integrate design thinking and technology into the education sector. Incorporating them is no longer a trend but a necessity.
The approaches have already redefined classrooms in other parts of the world. They can revolutionise the education sector immensely and provide learners with skills and mindsets that will aid them in navigating the ever-changing world smoothly. Young students deserve such opportunities and they will grow to meet even unforeseen needs of their future time.
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George OJ Carrington is head of the department of design K-12 at International School Dhaka.