International workshop explores future of EdTech in Bangladesh
A daylong international workshop titled "EdTech Futures: Bridging Innovation and Impact in Bangladesh" was held on Sunday (3 August) at the CIRDAP Auditorium in Dhaka, bringing together leading academics, researchers, policymakers, and development professionals to explore the transformative role of technology in education.
Organised under the theme "Empowering Learning through Technology: From Classrooms to Policy Rooms", the event aimed to create a collaborative platform for discussing research insights, practical interventions, and policy recommendations in the EdTech space.
In the first session, chaired by Prof Dr Atonu Rabbani of the University of Dhaka, researchers shared findings from technology-focused education interventions across Bangladesh. Key presentations were delivered by Professor Dr Abu S Shonchoy (Florida International University), Professor Dr Christine Ho (London School of Economics), and Professor Dr Tomoki Fujii (Singapore Management University).
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The evidence presented highlighted the effectiveness of mobile phone-based information sharing in improving study habits and exam readiness among marginalized students. One study found that motivational messaging was more impactful than direct cash incentives in promoting school attendance, while another showed that conditional cash transfers helped mitigate the adverse effects of seasonal migration on education.
The second session, "Policy and Partnership for EdTech," chaired by Prof Dr Ahsan Habib, featured a high-level roundtable titled "The Future of Education & Technology in Bangladesh", moderated by Prof Dr Rubaiya Murshed.
Participants included senior officials from the National Curriculum and Textbook Board, the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education, and the DIKKHA Project, as well as university professors. Discussions addressed current gaps and future priorities for integrating technology into the national education system, including improving capacity, ensuring compliance, and fostering sustainable public-private partnerships.
The event concluded with a crest handover ceremony, networking session, and informal dialogue aimed at fostering future collaboration.
Jointly organised by the London School of Economics, Florida International University, Singapore Management University, Oxford Policy Management, the University of Dhaka, and the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies, the workshop was coordinated by MOMODa Foundation.
