The landscape of education in Bangladesh has been rapidly evolving, with online learning platforms like Shikho and 10 Minute School initially leading the charge towards a digital revolution in education. These platforms promised to make quality education accessible to all, regardless of geographical location or socioeconomic status. However, there has been a noticeable shift in recent times towards incorporating offline learning centres alongside online models. This shift raises the question: why are these pioneers of online learning embracing offline methodologies?
The edtech market in Bangladesh is poised to reach several billion dollars by 2030, driven by factors such as increased internet and smartphone penetration, government initiatives, and changing perceptions about online learning. The Covid-19 pandemic further accelerated the use of edtech, underscoring the importance of digital learning. However, challenges persisted, with a 2023 study revealing that only 18.7% of children were able to participate in remote learning due to device and internet access issues. Additionally, the offline education market, including coaching centres and private tutoring, remains significant, with an estimated worth of BDT 25,000 crore.
In response to these challenges, a hybrid model that offers both online and offline learning experiences has emerged as a viable solution. Online platforms provide interactive content and self-paced learning, while offline methods such as workshops, peer group discussions, and practical sessions foster hands-on learning and critical thinking. A notable success story from India is PhysicsWallah, which achieved unicorn status within two years of its launch by transitioning to a hybrid model. By integrating offline centres, they were able to cater to a wider audience, providing personalised guidance and practical experiences alongside their digital content. This success has inspired other edtech companies, including Byju’s in India and Descomplica in Brazil, to adopt similar hybrid strategies.
Despite the growing popularity of online learning, the majority of users in Bangladesh still prefer the offline experience. Students from classes 1-8 often lack the self-discipline to study online independently, and their parents prefer in-person, supervised learning. Concerns about young children using smartphones and the affordability of decent smartphones further reinforce the preference for offline education. Additionally, exams remain a significant part of the education system, and the practice of giving tests offline is one that online experiences do not fully replicate. Consequently, online education is often seen as a secondary option.
Mirza Salman Hossain Beg, an entrepreneur with experience in edtech, believes that the hybrid model will serve as a bridge to connect the unconnected, gradually transitioning offline users to fully online learning. It will also help create locally trained teachers to support their communities. Traditional coaching centres in Bangladesh have long been a staple of supplementary education, but they often suffer from overcrowded classrooms, lack of personalised attention, and outdated teaching methods. The hybrid approach leverages technology to deliver personalised learning while maintaining the benefits of face-to-face interaction.
Shikho and 10 Minute School, two prominent online learning platforms in Bangladesh, have recently started incorporating offline experience centres to complement their online courses. These centres offer students physical exam hall experiences and personalised guidance, crucial for subjects requiring hands-on practice. By making the platform accessible in a tangible setting, they aim to demonstrate the effectiveness of online learning. Shahir Chowdhury, founder of Shikho, shared that their decision to establish offline exam centres was driven by the unique educational needs and opportunities in Bangladesh. These centres primarily serve as places where students can sit for exams and acclimate to the physical exam environment.
Similarly, 10 Minute School has initiated offline learning centres to enhance peer-to-peer learning and community building. Abdullah Abyad Raied, co-founder and CTO of the company, emphasized the importance of finding synergy between what learners want, what they need, and what the platform can provide. By recognizing that certain learning experiences can only be offered offline, they see the strategic move to offline offerings as a complement to their existing value proposition, ensuring a more effective learning outcome for their students.
Abdullah concluded by stating that technology enables both online and offline learning, and in regions like Southeast Asia and MENA, hybrid models are becoming the norm. Moving forward, we can expect to see continued synergy between these approaches. The shift towards a hybrid model in edtech is not just a passing trend but a strategic move towards inclusive and quality education. By combining the strengths of both online and offline methods, edtech companies are paving the way for a more robust educational system that addresses immediate challenges while aligning with global educational advancements. This approach ensures that Bangladeshi students are well-prepared for the future.