SWOT Analysis of Online Education: A Perspective
of Bangladesh
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COVID-19 pandemic has led to an almost immediate switch to Online Education.
It’s a tool to make the learning process more flexible, innovative and
learner-centred which is well accepted for its indispensable role. Though
Online Education is practiced globally, Bangladesh is still facing challenges
in this sector. Recently 12 August, a survey in prothom alo newspaper found
that young people are not getting much benefit from online classes and they
even said that they are learning less than before because of online classes. So
the reason behind it must be found out to harmonise with going competitive
world.
SWOT stands for strength, weakness, opportunities and
threats. It is also known as SWOT. Strength represents positive aspects;
weakness represents the negative aspects or the disadvantages, opportunities represents
favourable condition prevails for its growth and threats as limitations or
unfavourable conditions. In this article a SWOT analysis of Online Education System
of Bangladesh is briefly explained.
Strengths:
Reliability on digitalization: We are living in a world where everyday technology
adds something new in life, mainly we are now living based on internet. Mostly
the young generation is solely depending on internet and they are much updated
in any kind of information. So the major strength of online education in our
country is dependence on digitalisation as the majority of us are now more
rational in this sector.
Development of new online resource: In response to the COVID-19 lockdown, new online
resources are developed. This result in students adopting different strategic approaches
to their learning. Furthermore, it has triggered the development of new skills
in utilising the full capabilities of online education.
Network building: Online education builds the network between the
instructors and students. It also brings the opportunity to get connected with
the instructors across the world. Enhancing collaboration among the student
group is one among the strengths of online education. Even though they are
scattered geographically, but still connected via social sites.
Weakness
Traditional system of our education:
The practice of online education
is so less in Bangladesh even being in the competitive world. Our education
system still follows the traditional system of learning. Though there are now
so many updated way of learning. Teachers and students are still not aware of
virtual learning.
Incompatible for practical courses: The system of online education in our country is
incompatible for practical courses in higher education. Students can learn
theoretical knowledge from online, but they cannot test their learning through practical
sessions. Students also claim that there is no use of learning without
practice.
Lack of online tools
As in many developing countries, poverty in
Bangladesh has been an alarming social issue. Many students are not capable of
buying online devices as well as online pack to go through online class.
Moreover, the connectivity of internet is so poor that students are not fully benefited
by online education.
Aversion of students
Most of the students use digital tools but with
no clear concept that how to make the best use of internet. So they waste most
of their time in facebook and other social sites. A survey shows that 45%
students spending their quarantine time by watching TV and scrolling facebook
and making their quarantine unproductive.
Opportunities
Expansion of technology
Expansion of technology causes the latter to
become a perfect environment for expression and development of online educational
services. The government of our contry is trying to develop our country
technologically to support our education system.
Growing level of awareness
There is an increasing interest for different
categories of beneficiaries for online education. Research shows that the
interest in the deployment of online education systems is growing higher and it
is visible. Teachers and students are now more concern in this phase. They are
also coming forward for the development of online education.
Intention to higher studies
Many foreign universities offer courses and
degrees through online platforms. Students sitting at home can achieve
certificates as well as degrees by completing these courses which may help to
boost their career. So as the intention to pursue higher studies is increasing,
the necessity of online education is also thriving in our country.
Threats
Negative effects on student’s Online education may effect the students
negatively. They might have increasing propensity towards Internet. As a
result, they wil give less time in their study and remain attached whole time in
online devices. So it’s to be said that propensity of students towards mobile
phone or any other online devices is the major threat of online education.
Teacher-student relationship
Maintaining the teacher–student relationship is
considered a threat. Studies have shown that timely feedback from teachers is
hugely important in maintaining engagement. Through online classes students cannot
make proper assertion with the teachers. For no getting digital support
properly and the communication gap between teacher and student also create them
obstacle to not establishing online learning environment.
Bangladesh
is still confined into the traditional education system rather than practicing
the mode of study online learning environment, though technology has given us so
many options and provide huge opportunity to make learning system easy and
comfortable but still there is some shortage in this phase. To establish online
learning the technology and internet connection must be improved first as the shortage
of internet and technical problems occurs badly in Bangladesh. Overcoming the
weakness and threats, online education must be practiced in our educational
area for effective learning.
Ummul Wara Shakera
Session: 2016-17
Department of
Accounting
