Digital Divide between Teachers and Students in Urban Bangladesh

Md. Saifuddin Khalid

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Abstract

Telecom boom since 2000 and ‘Digital Bangladesh’ campaign since late 2008 created significant nationwide hype, resulting rapid increase in the use of digital devices. While studies are being conducted to use the ability of “power users of technology” for reducing digital divide, there is hardly any data available on them in Bangladesh context. A study was conducted to study the digital divide and ICT usage pattern among the urban students and teachers of schools and colleges in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. About 75 students enrolled in probability and statistics course of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) in autumn 2009 participated in conducting survey activities. Total 33 academic institutes were south for approval and 11 could be surveyed before the Christmas and annual recess. Responses from 6 other academics institutes were collected from the personal networks of students.

A questionnaire was developed based on initial semi-structured interview with randomly selected students from these academic institutions. The 41-question questionnaire was developed to study the usage of computer, internet, mobile and other handheld devices, radio, television and CD/DVD players. A slightly different questionnaire was developed for teachers. 965 students and 185 teachers participated in the survey. Among student respondents 37% were from English Medium and 63% from Bangla medium institutions. From class VI –XII, the survey group represent the secondary and higher secondary education level in Bangladesh. Male respondents were 53% and female 43%, remaining are missing. Responses collected using paper-based questionnaires were put on a learning management system’s (LMS) questionnaire survey module.

Irrespective of type of ICT device higher percentage of English medium students ‘own’ and know ‘how to use’ compared to Bangla medium students. Significantly higher percentage of students can use and own desktop, laptop, cellphone, iPOD and MP3 player. While teachers mostly use computers for work (73%), study (45%) and listening music (34%), students use for playing games (63%), listening musing (62%) and study (44%). 69% teachers and 66% students use social networking sites. Top three online activities for students are music (53%), games (47%) and chat (42%), for teachers these are study (55%), chat (40%) and music (33%). Students use more mobile features than teachers. Interestingly 59% teachers and 61% students have more than one SIM card. More than 50% of students and teachers use mobile for listening radio. 55% or more teachers and 67% or more students ‘own’ a desktop. 90% or more teachers and 74% or more students ‘know how to use’ desktop computer. Further study is required to gain insight into digital divide and associated reasons in four different educations systems in Bangladesh.
OriginalsprogEngelsk
TitelProceedings of the 5th International Technology, Education and Development Conference
Antal sider11
UdgivelsesstedValencia
ForlagInternational Association of Technology, Education and Development (IATED)
Publikationsdato7 mar. 2011
Sider2010-2020
ISBN (Elektronisk)978-84-614-7423-3
StatusUdgivet - 7 mar. 2011
BegivenhedInternational Technology, Education and Development Conference - Valencia, Spanien
Varighed: 7 mar. 20119 mar. 2011
Konferencens nummer: 5th

Konference

KonferenceInternational Technology, Education and Development Conference
Nummer5th
Land/OmrådeSpanien
ByValencia
Periode07/03/201109/03/2011

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