The University Grant Commission (UGC) has said the Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) will have to form the post-Covid-19 policy for online education so that the universities can ensure proper evaluation and quality.
UGC Chairman Prof Kazi Shahidullah made the remarks at a virtual discussion titled "The role of Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) during Covid-19 pandemic, challenges and way-out," on Thursday.
A total of 141 IQAC directors, representing both public and private universities of the country, took part in the meeting, said a UGC statement.
The university apex body chief called upon the university teachers to ensure quality online education and said the respective university authorities need to provide solutions to the issues that the students are facing regarding internet facility and device availability.
The UGC chairman advised the universities concerned to continue online classes and said that even if the educational institutions reopen following the introduction of a Covid-19 vaccine the importance of online education will not dilute.
He also advised the universities to continue online learning along with physical classes.
Speaking as the chief guest, the UGC chairman said that online education activities will have to be continued in the post-Covid-19 era.
IQAC will be responsible for formulating a policy on online education to ensure its quality, he said.
Screenshot from the virtual DiscussionHe advised those associated with the country's higher education to become accustomed with online education.
He urged the teachers to take forward online education using existing resources.
He also urged the teachers, students and parents to keep a positive attitude during the ongoing crisis.
Prof Kazi Shahidullah also praised the strong role of the media in ensuring quality higher education in the country adding that the UGC is working to ensure internet service to students at a nominal cost.
At the meeting, IQAC directors of the private and public universities assured that they are committed to ensure quality and standard education despite existing challenges of online education in universities.
Earlier on Wednesday, the university apex body announced that students of the country’s public and private universities will be provided with month-long internet service at Tk100 by Teletalk in a bid to keep the online education activities ongoing amid Covid-19.
