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Dhaka Schools May Run 6 Days With 3 Online Classes
Schools and colleges in Dhaka may soon operate six days a week, with three of those days conducted online, as the government weighs a blended education system to cope with the current situation.
The proposal was discussed at a high-level meeting of the Education Ministry on Tuesday, where officials decided in principle that institutions in the capital would hold classes on six days a week, combining both physical and virtual learning.
Under the proposed system, offline and online classes would be held on alternate days, while teachers would be required to remain physically present at their institutions on both types of class days.
Officials at the meeting also decided that all practical classes must continue to be conducted in person.
The meeting was attended by representatives from schools, colleges, the Dhaka Education Board and the ministry.
A final decision on the matter is expected to be taken at an emergency meeting on Wednesday. The ministry is also considering whether the proposed blended education system should be extended to other parts of the country.
Earlier in the day, Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon told reporters at the Secretariat that the government was considering introducing a blended learning model for Bangla and English medium schools and colleges across metropolitan areas.
He said the ongoing Middle East conflict and the resulting global supply shock had made it necessary to consider measures to reduce the number of fully offline class hours.
According to the minister, a recent survey found that 55 per cent of respondents supported the introduction of online classes.
At the same time, officials also stressed the importance of retaining face-to-face learning so that students could remain socially engaged and connected with their institutions.
The proposed six-day academic week is also being considered as a way to recover class time lost during the Eid and Ramadan holidays, as well as from disruptions caused by various movements.