Introduction

The Department of Information and Communication Technology (DoICT) has devoted special attention to the Information Technology sector with a view to expanding ICT education across the country. To ensure the effective use and application of ICT and to develop a skilled workforce, ICTD Digital Labs are being established in various educational institutions under the direction of the Honorable Prime Minister, through the initiative of the Information and Communication Technology Division, and under the supervision of the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DoICT). 

The primary objective of establishing these labs is to create a conducive ICT learning environment for students at the primary, secondary, and higher secondary levels, as well as to provide practical IT training to interested youth, enabling them to acquire skilled employment opportunities both at home and abroad. 

Under this initiative, ICTD Digital Labs have been established in a total of 9,001 educational institutions across the country, comprising 4,001 labs in the first phase and 5,000 labs in the second phase. The program is being implemented under the overall supervision of the Senior Secretary of the ICT Division, in collaboration with the Director General and Project Director of DoICT, along with Deputy Commissioners, Upazila Nirbahi Officers, District Education Officers, District and Upazila ICT Officers, Upazila Secondary Education Officers, and all other concerned stakeholders. 

Project Background

The vision of building a self-reliant and knowledge-based Bangladesh places significant importance on the development of the ICT sector. To achieve this vision, the Government has prioritized the creation of a modern, innovative, and technology-driven education system that supports creativity, employment generation, improved quality of life, and the advancement of a Digital Bangladesh.

In alignment with national development goals and the vision for a Smart Bangladesh, the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DoICT) under the ICT Division has taken initiatives to expand ICT education at the grassroots level through the establishment of ICTD Digital Labs in educational institutions across the country.

Under the first phase of the project, a total of 4,001 ICTD Digital Labs were established along with digital learning facilities in selected institutions, including language learning and digital classroom support components. The project was approved by the ECNEC in 2014 and successfully completed in 2019, contributing significantly to the expansion of ICT-based education infrastructure nationwide.

Building on the success of the first phase, the ICTD Digital Lab Establishment Project (Phase II) was undertaken. Under this phase, initiatives have been taken to establish 5,000 ICTD Digital Labs & 300 School of Future (SoF) along with 300 Robotics Corner and expand ICT-based learning opportunities across educational institutions, ensuring wider access to digital education and skill development.

The ICTD Digital Lab initiative plays a vital role in preparing students with essential ICT, coding, and programming skills from an early stage, enabling them to become creative and competent in facing the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Overall, the ICTD Digital Lab project contributes to strengthening ICT education infrastructure, developing skilled human resources, and supporting the national goal of building a sustainable, knowledge-based, and developed society.  

Concept of ICTD School of Future 

There is no substitute for high-quality, technology-driven education in building a knowledge-based society. The ICTD School of Future (SoF) is designed on the foundation of transformative pedagogical approaches, modern school architecture, and the development of critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills through the effective use of advanced technology.

To achieve this visionary goal, the traditional classroom system is extended beyond conventional boundaries by integrating modern technological solutions, including ICT hardware, digital learning content, specialized software, School of Future Management Systems, and emerging technologies such as 3D printing, robotics, programmable devices, and mixed reality tools. These innovations are essential for preparing students to meet the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The ICTD School of Future aims to equip students with advanced learning opportunities that foster creativity, innovation, and ICT-based skills, including coding and programming from an early stage. The initiative is built upon three core pillars: Education, Architecture, and Technology.

Through this model, students are introduced to cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), Cloud Computing, Robotics, Blockchain, and Drone Technology, along with foundational tools like Arduino kits, LEGO-based learning systems, microcontroller platforms, and robotics development kits. This hands-on exposure helps learners develop practical understanding and prepares them for future technological challenges.

Ultimately, the ICTD School of Future (SoF) is committed to nurturing a generation of innovative, skilled, and future-ready citizens capable of thriving in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

 

Future strategies 

The Department of Information and Communication Technology (DoICT) has been implementing various projects and programs aimed at strengthening digital infrastructure, ensuring reliable connectivity, developing skilled human resources, creating decent employment opportunities, and expanding e-services for the effective use of information and communication technology. In continuation of these efforts, initiatives have been taken to establish advanced ICTD Digital Labs across the country to support a modern, technology-driven education system focused on skill development, creativity, innovation, and quality improvement in teaching and learning. These labs are designed to promote critical thinking and problem-solving abilities among students while ensuring an enhanced digital learning environment. To ensure efficient management and supervision, steps are being taken to integrate all labs under a centralized online monitoring platform. Furthermore, these labs are envisioned as ICT education hubs that will prepare students to meet the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution by providing training in various programming and emerging technology disciplines. Selected learners will also be given opportunities for advanced training through specialized frontier technology programs. Overall, ICTD Digital Labs are expected to play a significant role in building a sustainable ICT education ecosystem and developing skilled human resources capable of contributing effectively at both national and international levels.