What do you think the education system will be like in 2041? Do you imagine students still attending traditional schools, colleges, or universities? Will artificial intelligence (AI) step in and replace teachers, or will it serve as a supportive tool?

These questions pop up when we ponder what the future holds for education in a technologically advanced Bangladesh. Over the past 15 years, the field of education has undergone significant changes. It has become global, reducing dependence on school textbooks. From cities to villages, the entire world is now at our fingertips. The scope of learning through mobile phones has expanded immensely, becoming a means of acquiring knowledge. Just like Bengali poet Sunirmal Basu had penned, “Bishwajora Pathshala Mor, Shobar Ami Chhatro, Nanan Bhabe Notun Jinsih Shikhchhi Dibaratro”, which translates to, “The world is my classroom, and I am a student of all, learning new things in different ways day and night.”

In Smart Bangladesh, the future of education transcends physical boundaries, empowering students to independently tackle challenges and cultivate smart citizenship in personal, social, and civic domains. This approach aims to nurture citizens who are intelligent, skilled, innovative, and patriotic, fostering unity and problem-solving. Priorities include blended education, digital curriculum, enhancing digital skills across society, utilizing smart devices, and creating smart employment opportunities to foster skill development.

Smart education aims to foster an innovative generation capable of tackling challenges. The evolving curriculum emphasizes practical learning and problem-solving over rote memorization. Students engage actively, addressing real-life issues to develop analytical thinking. Accessible across urban and rural areas, it offers modern technology and a global learning scope, transcending traditional limits. Blend learning, integrating tech, provides seamless online and offline experiences, shaping a personalized learning environment.

In the personalized education system, self-learning and problem-solving take precedence. Smart education prioritizes students’ needs, aiming to shape them into smart citizens. Tailored learning allows students to progress at their speed, aligned with their unique capacities and preferences. This approach enables students to acquire skills in line with global demands, fostering self-reliance and the potential to create employment opportunities for themselves and others.

We envision a future where multimedia education takes center stage. No longer confined to textbooks, students will engage more deeply with learning through audio-visual content. During the COVID-19 pandemic, countless students faced dismay as in-person classes became impossible. However, diverse digital educational initiatives came to our aid, ensuring continuity in our education system.

Everyone, regardless of location or ability, will have access to quality education. An inclusive education ecosystem, offering affordable options for individuals with special needs, is pivotal in achieving this goal. The government has spearheaded the formation of this inclusive framework, ensuring that students with special needs can thrive. Initiatives like multimedia talking books and innovative technologies are being employed to make education equally accessible to every learner.

Now, there might be a query: we talked a lot about learning, but do we delve into teaching? There’s a saying, how does one become a student without a teacher? Hence, there’s a strong emphasis on the skills development of teachers to execute smart teaching methodologies effectively. Encouraging educators to utilize technology and data-driven approaches to better comprehend and resolve students’ needs and desires is a key focus.

Will AI replace teachers? No, that’s unlikely. The cornerstone of smart education lies in the utilization of AI. Teachers will integrate this into teaching and assessment, while students will incorporate it into their learning. Bangladesh’s youth will become adept in AI usage. In the era of the fourth industrial revolution, they will propel Bangladesh towards the ranks of developed nations.

Smart education will be instrumental in propelling our transition into a developed nation. Making affordable smart devices accessible to everyone will ensure 100% penetration of smart technology. Every citizen will have access to technology-dependent education, leaving no one behind. This isn’t a mere fairy tale or an exaggeration; it’s a beacon guiding us toward hope and progress, steering us into a brighter future. The journey has started, and though the destination may be challenging, it’s certainly not impossible!