Education in 'New Normal': Problems and Prospects of Tertiary Level Students in Bangladesh
Education in 'New Normal': Problems and Prospects of Tertiary Level Students in Bangladesh

Author(s): Manzuma Ahsan
Subject(s): Education
Published by: Transnational Press London
Keywords: education; new normal; tertiary level students;
Summary/Abstract: The human race of the world at present has been confronting an 'uncertainty' because of the Pandemic situation of novel coronavirus (known as covid-19). This Pandemic has invaded almost every country of the world and has given rise to the concept of 'new normal' through which human life has been shaped in new modalities. Like the other pandemic-stricken countries, Bangladesh has been undergoing the second phase of lockdown. With that, there is an exponential resurgence of the virus with a new variant that has literally stopped everything attached to everyday life. The students have been alienated as the education institutions remain closed, but many of those have opted for learning through online platforms. By employing a mix-method, the present study has made an effort in exploring the problems faced by the tertiary level students in availing education through online platforms in this pandemic situation. Based on a purposive sampling, an online survey has been conducted by using a semistructured questionnaire. Some case studies have been collected and few key personnel interviews have been conducted through online. The study has found out that the students face many barriers in terms of internet availability, speed, and cost including non-compatibility with the online learning platforms. The issue of discontinuation of education coupled with issues of mental health have been of grim concerns in line with the previous problems. To mitigate these problems, the universities should be provided with policies and guidelines from the government and stakeholders so that the students can be benefitted and cope up with the 'new normal'.

• Details
• Contents