A national ICT-AI competency framework for primary school teachers and an evaluation report on the Diploma in Primary Education (DPED) piloting programme were presented at a workshop held at the Primary Teachers’ Training Institute (PTI) in Mirpur, Dhaka on Monday.
The workshop was organised by the National Academy for Primary Education (NAPE) with technical support from UNESCO Bangladesh to improve the quality of primary education, enhance teachers’ professional capabilities and develop a modern teacher development system aligned with digital transformation needs, according to a press release.
Primary and Mass Education State Minister Bobby Hajjaj attended the event as chief guest. Primary Education Directorate Director General Shahina Ferdousi, Primary and Mass Education Ministry Additional Secretary (Budget and Audit) Shahana Sarmin and UNESCO Dhaka Programme Officer Shirin Akhter were present as special guests.
The workshop was chaired by National Academy for Primary Education Director General Farid Ahmed.
Speaking at the event, Bobby Hajjaj said improving teachers’ skills and ensuring continuous professional development had become essential in a rapidly changing technology-driven world.
He said effective use of artificial intelligence and digital technologies could make teaching and learning processes more inclusive, innovative and student-focused. He described the initiative to develop a national ICT-AI competency framework for primary teachers as significant and timely.
The ICT-AI competency framework research identified key skill areas required for primary teachers, including digital literacy, the pedagogical use of technology, ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence and professional practices.
The evaluation report on the Diploma in Primary Education (DPED) piloting programme highlighted the programme’s effectiveness, achievements, challenges and strategic recommendations for future implementation.
The research findings and discussions at the workshop also emphasised the importance of appointing trained teachers rather than only graduates in both public and private teacher recruitment to ensure quality primary education, the press release said.
Special guests stressed the importance of teacher preparation and professional development in improving primary education standards. They said research-based findings and evidence-driven recommendations would help make future teacher education policies, training programmes and professional development initiatives more effective.
A UNESCO Bangladesh representative said strengthening teachers’ digital and AI-related skills was essential to prepare the education system for the future. The representative praised the government’s ongoing initiatives for teacher development and expressed commitment to continued cooperation with NAPE.
Representatives from ministries, government departments, teacher training institutions, universities, development organisations, education researchers and other stakeholders attended the workshop. Participants discussed the research findings and recommendations and stressed their effective application for future development of the primary education sector.
The presentation of the two research reports marked an important step towards integrating technology, innovation and evidence-based planning in teacher education and professional development in Bangladesh, the press release said. The initiative is expected to accelerate efforts to prepare skilled, technology-enabled and future-ready teachers in line with the vision of Smart Bangladesh.
