Open and Distance Learning (ODL): an Imperative for Bangladesh

Abstract

By Sir John Daniel & Professor Asha Kanwar, Commonwealth of Learning, Gazipur Campus, Bangladesh Open University, 20 October 2009 // It is a pleasure to be back at the Bangladesh Open University. I was last here in May 2005. A lot has changed in four years and I am delighted to have the opportunity to address you again. I have prepared these remarks with COL’s Vice-President, Professor Asha Kanwar. // The Vice-Chancellor has asked us to inspire you with our thoughts about Open and Distance Learning in Bangladesh. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and inspiration is in the mind of the listener so only you can decide whether what we have to say is inspiring. However, let us lay out a menu for these remarks. // We have entitled these remarks Open and Distance Learning (ODL): An imperative for Bangladesh. That title implies that we start from the assumption that it is vital for Bangladesh to make use of ODL if you are to achieve your national goals for education, training and learning generally. // Our remarks will be in four parts. First, we shall examine the contribution that technology can make to education and propose the aims that we should pursue though distance learning. Second we shall comment on the development of distance learning in higher education. Third, we shall explore the use of ODL at the secondary level through Open Schools and argue that this should now be a major priority for BOU. Finally, we shall update you on the Commonwealth of Learning and suggest how we might help you.