ICT Integration in Teaching and Learning at the Primary Level in Bangladesh: A Comparative Study of Private and Government Schools

Miftaul Jannat

July-Aug-Sep

Abstract
The importance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in current education, especially in the field of language teaching and learning, has received growing attention. However, the digital resources available and their successful use in the classroom may vary across educational institutions. This paper analyzes teachers' and students' attitudes, the availability of ICTs, teachers’ confidence in using ICTs, and barriers to effective ICT use in teaching and learning in private and government primary schools in Bangladesh. The research method was a mixed-methods design, combining questionnaire surveys, classroom observations, and interviews. 120 students were selected from four schools: two private and two government primary schools. The results show a significant gap in access to ICT facilities between the two sectors. All private schools observed had computers and projectors, whereas only 15% of government schools had these. Students’ attitudes toward the use of ICT in both sectors were positive, and they mostly used ICT to motivate students to search for words in a digital dictionary and to present their concepts using visual materials. However, ICT use was much greater in private schools than in government schools. Other factors identified included a lack of equipment, a lack of teaching materials, a lack of confidence, and reluctance among teachers. The results show that, beyond the availability of hardware, meaningful integration of ICTs also depends on teacher training, the availability of digital materials, institutional support, and pedagogically meaningful use of ICTs. Finally, the study suggests ways forward to make primary education in Bangladesh equitable and effective in the use of ICT.

Keyword: ICT, primary education, government and private schools, Bangladesh, digital learning, teacher training, ELT

Research Area: ELT

Country: Bangladesh

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