UGC to launch blended learning policy for higher education

The University Grants Commission (UGC) plans to launch a blended learning policy so that Bangladesh is not left behind in higher education.

The decision was disclosed in a virtual meeting of the UGC about forming a modern policy for the learning process, coordinating between onsite and online education.

The policy will be made to coordinate onsite and online education, so that universities can continue academic programmes and courses in a post Covid-19 era, said UGC member, Prof Dr Bishwajit Chanda, who presided over the meeting.

Bangladeshi domestic culture, skills, socio-economic conditions, and global standards will all be taken into consideration in forming the policy, he said.

Attending the meeting, Prof Dr Din Afroz Begum, insisted on continuing virtual lessons alongside regular classes in the post pandemic times of the future.

Although online education is the need and demand of today, it lacks institutional recognition in the country, said UGC member Prof Sajjad Hossain, adding that "A policy is mandatory to take blended onsite and online learning to a new level which will also take the UGC to fresh and new heights."

A working committee was formed at the meeting, to make a draft of the policy.

Prof Dr Muhammad Alamgir, said the working committee will formulate an initial draft after scrutinizing the policies of various other countries in this regard, and the central body will review and finalise the policy.

Dhaka University professor, Dr Kazi Mohaimin As-Sakib, Rajshahi University professor Dr Khademul Islam, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) professor Dr AFM Saiful Amin, East West University professor Dr Md Mozammel Huq Azad Khan, and United International University professor, Dr Sadiqul Islam, were also present at the meeting among others.