Pilot online classes begin

Experimental online classes have been introduced in several educational institutions in the capital from Sunday (April 12), as part of a pilot initiative to integrate digital learning into the academic system.

At Viqarunnisa Noon School and College, online classes began at 9:00am, with teachers conducting lessons from their classrooms while students joined remotely from their homes.

Teachers said the initiative has initially been introduced in the college section during a vacation period, with plans to gradually extend it to the school section.

Under the pilot schedule, classes will be held online on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday, while in-person sessions will take place on Saturday, Monday and Wednesday.

Education officials said the move is part of a broader plan to adopt blended learning in urban schools and colleges, with a focus on promoting digital education and improving flexibility in the academic calendar.

The Ministry of Education had earlier held consultations with stakeholders on April 8 regarding the introduction of online classes in city schools as part of a pilot project.

On April 9, Education and Primary Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Haque Milan said a limited number of schools in Dhaka had been selected for the initiative, which would initially operate on a three-days-online and three-days-offline model.

Officials said the pilot project will be evaluated before considering a nationwide rollout.