The Covid colonialism has already ruled us out of so much. Yet, the lessons of adaptability and innovation through technology we got the light of in all the aspects imaginable have proven effective and are treasurable indeed. Among them, one big accomplishment has been extensive technology-based learning.
Unfathomably increased use of devices and networks for the purpose of education -- that too in a third world country like Bangladesh -- was something only a pandemic could substantiate. Technology has been gradually gaining its well-deserved place all over the world, everywhere, in nearly everything. As of this, our survival and growth have become equally tech-reliant.
In order to turn this tech-reliance to our benefit, we have to prepare our human resources accordingly. For this, we have to hold more firmly onto tech-based learning instead of considering it a temporary alternative. However unfortunately, many amongst us forsook most tech-based practices the moment COVID situation allowed us.
This is certainly unacceptable if we want to improve our productivity and establish our sustainability in this “no nonsense” world. So, we must get tech-based learning back on track before it's too late, that too, much more extensively. Moreover, it has to be made certain that dedicated initiatives bring productivity, inclusion and impact in prominent effect as they are essential for our sustainability.
Productivity shortage is a frightening issue and a severe threat to sustainability. Not only are many countrymen unable to get employment but, more worryingly, newer scopes for productivity are not being created. This inability is causing a huge productivity loss just due to lack of proficiency on how to use technology productively.
As we are moving forward as a country, economic sustainability's demand for productive utilization of technology to the highest gainful extent is growing ever higher. Now it is high time we moved on from a solely pen and paper based approach to learning as that seldom helps an individual to become familiarized with appropriate usage of technology.
Otherwise, the later we will take this seriously, the further we will fall behind. Irrespective of how hard we try, we cannot run away from the truth of “survival of the fittest”. This theory will exist as long as mankind does. Hence, the use of technology will have to be made an integral component in our learning journey so that we become technologically fit in a competitively advantageous manner -- this would allow us to explore new horizons of productive growth and thus work them out resourcefully.
If inclusive growth is the intent, leaving behind even a single possible individual is equal to an incomplete endeavor. Starting from schools to institutions in the tertiary level to the executive and professional education arena, we must incorporate technology as an essential organ of the learning process. With proper guidance, collaboration, and an inclination towards continuing education during the pandemic, a lot of educational institutions in our country, from all levels, could facilitate learning through technology.
To carry forward inclusion in establishing nationwide tech-based learning practices, ensuring more convenient access to technology and capacity building for tech-proficiency is undeniably imperative. Because, inclusion is not only about including those who are able but to include everyone regardless of their capabilities.
However, this concept of inclusion should not be abused by not letting the able-bodied entities pursue their tech-based learning ambitions just because not everyone is equally ready yet. Because, capacity building for those who need it, ensuring more convenient accessibility to technology for everyone, and regulatory support for those who are well-prepared to pursue innovative tech-based initiatives should go hand in hand. After all, allowing aspiring leaders in the field of learning to pursue their tech-based aspirations will further goad them to create more value for sustainability and leave further possibilities for others as well.
One big reason we are advocating tech-based learning is that this initiative stands to leave lasting positive impacts for us all. Otherwise, the greater purpose of sustainability cannot be actualized at all. We have to develop workable people-oriented frameworks with a view to populate widespread tech-based learning that leads our human capital to become resourceful.
Furthermore, this resourcefulness should not remain limited to the idea that our people can perform resourcefully for the nation's sustainability. But that resourcefulness in the truest sense can only be achieved when our people are able to generate enough resources to ensure their economic well-being sustainably.
Nazma Sultana is Director, Information Technology at University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh. Nafis Ehsas Chowdhury studies business at United International University & is a columnist.