The Education and Skills Development Ministry will now be enhancing digital literacy for teachers, ECCD facilitators, and students across the country. The Ministry launched the Education Technology Framework 2025 today in the capital.
Speaking at the launch, the Education and Skills Development Minister said Bhutan’s digital infrastructure is still developing.
There is a digital divide, and many teachers and students lack skills in emerging technologies.
Most schools have just one ICT lab, giving students only around two hours of hands-on time per week.
The ministry noted that many teachers lack the skills and vision to use technology in teaching beyond basic ICT lessons.
“The biggest challenge is that many teachers lack skills in IT. When they have limited knowledge, it becomes difficult for them to effectively teach IT-related lessons,” said Yeshey Lhendup, the deputy chief programme officer, MoESD.
The framework includes the guidelines for using technology in teaching and learning, digital literacy standards for teachers, ECCD facilitators, and students, and standards for digital content development.
The ministry will soon develop a comprehensive training package for teachers based on these standards. This will be followed by capacity-building programmes to help educators use technology more effectively in classrooms.
The framework is part of the Digitalisation in Education initiative, funded by the European Union with 1 M Euros in partnership with UNICEF Bhutan.
“This aims to equip children, teachers, and students with digital skills, so they can enjoy a modern education. We were told today that wherever we go, urban or rural, students are eager to learn about technology. Through this programme, we’re responding to that demand,” said Hervé Delphin, the European Union Ambassador to Bhutan.
The ministry says the framework aligns with the goals of the 13th Five-Year-Plan. It focuses on improving digital infrastructure, expanding digital skills, and encouraging innovation in education.
Sangay Chozom
Edited by Sangay Chezom