Govt to provide AI training for primary school teachers: Bobby Hajjaj

The government will arrange training on artificial intelligence (AI) and modern educational technologies to enhance the technology-related skills of primary school teachers, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj said today (23 September).

"Although the future of education will be technology-driven, technology cannot replace teachers. Rather, we need to use technology effectively to enhance teachers' capabilities," he said while addressing a global dialogue titled "Empowering Teachers in Low-Resource Classrooms to Co-Design EdTech for Student-Centered Learning" in New York, held as part of the first programme of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

He said appropriate use of technology is particularly important to make learning opportunities more effective and inclusive for students in low-resource classrooms.

"Teachers need not only skills in using technology, but also the innovative capacity to use it according to students' needs," he said.

Bobby said Bangladesh would expand the use of digital technology in primary education while giving due importance to teacher training, classroom realities, learning outcomes and local needs.

He also said Bangladesh would undertake effective technology-based initiatives in primary education with international experience and support from development partners.

Later, the state minister spoke at an event organised by the Bangladesh Consulate General in New York titled "From Classroom to Economy: Modernizing Bangladesh's Education and Skills—Turning Learning into Jobs, Enterprise and Economic Strength".

He said an effective link must be established between classroom learning and real-world skills.

"Students need to be prepared in a way that enables them to apply the knowledge and skills they acquire to employment, entrepreneurship and the country's economic activities," he said.