AI to Monitor Classrooms

Bangladesh is moving to technology-driven monitoring of classroom teaching across public and private schools, colleges, madrasas and technical institutions. The Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) plans to use the DMS app to monitor classroom teaching through live video calls. AI- and technology-based teacher training will also begin this month.

According to DSHE sources, all educational institutions across the country will gradually come under a centralized digital monitoring system. The system will allow DSHE assistant directors to directly observe classroom activities and monitor teaching practices.

Complaints of teachers skipping classes and completing scheduled lessons in only a few minutes have persisted for years. There are also concerns that classroom attendance does not always ensure quality teaching. The new digital monitoring system is intended to strengthen oversight of these issues.

To strengthen digital communication and field-level monitoring, heads of schools, madrasas and technical institutions have been required to update their WhatsApp numbers in the Personnel Data System (PDS).

DSHE is also working to establish a ‘Master Trainer Pool’ and a ‘Teachers Exchange Programme’ involving skilled teachers. In coordination with the National Curriculum and Textbook Board, authorities are also working on common lesson plans.

AI- and technology-based teacher training will begin in September to improve teachers’ digital skills. According to DSHE data, 305,288 teachers and officials have already received training under an ICT project.

Specialized training is also planned to address shortages of mathematics, English and science teachers. The authorities also plan to introduce new categories at National Education Week to recognize teachers for outstanding performance through medals and awards.

Another major digital education initiative is the planned launch of a ‘National Education Channel’ using the technology of Sangsad Television. A draft action plan for the channel has already been finalized. Clear field-level instructions have also been issued to ensure co-curricular activities in educational institutions.

DSHE Director General Professor Dr. Khan Moinuddin Al Mahmud Sohel said the Prime Minister’s 15 directives provide important guidance for improving the quality of secondary education. He said DSHE recently held a meeting, divided responsibilities among its wings with specific deadlines and sent progress reports to the ministry.

He said preparations for AI training for teachers, app-based live monitoring and the National Education Channel are moving forward rapidly.

Md. Shawkat Hossain Mollah, Deputy Director (HRM) at DSHE and focal person for monitoring implementation of the directives, said intensive monitoring is being carried out to ensure full implementation of the Prime Minister’s instructions.

He said institutions are being monitored directly to assess how they are implementing the directives.

According to him, some short-term decisions can be implemented quickly, while several initiatives are already underway. However, technical initiatives such as the National Education Channel will be implemented through a coordinated and detailed plan.
//DBTech/HAJN/SMU/FOEB//