Cross-sectional Survey on Online Learning during COVID-19 Pandemic in Bangladesh

The educational system across the world had drastically been affected due to the pandemic outbreak of COVID-19. In this circumstance, Teaching and learning shifted from traditional way which involves face-to-face interaction among teachers and students physically in a classroom, to online learning either synchronously or asynchronously. Therefore, the aim of this study is to monitor the level of students’ perception towards online learning during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic situation. The study adopted the way of quantitative approach by conducting a survey which was collected via a standardized online questionnaire. Data collected from 699 respondents were analyzed using SPSS 23 software. In spite of having been failed to get theoretical and practical experience as well as expected results, majority of the respondents had positive perceptions towards online learning and accepted this as the new method of learning with online application tools. The outcomes of the study will facilitate educational institutions and policy makers to take this online learning process to the next level in a prospective way. Keywords: Online Learning, COVID-19, Pandemic, Bangladesh

Transforming knowledge systems for life on Earth: Visions of future systems and how to get there

Formalised knowledge systems, including universities and research institutes, are important for contemporary societies. They are, however, also arguably failing humanity when their impact is measured against the level of progress being made in stimulating the societal changes needed to address challenges like climate change. In this research we used a novel futures-oriented and participatory approach that asked what future envisioned knowledge systems might need to look like and how we might get there. Findings suggest that envisioned future systems will need to be much more collaborative, open, diverse, egalitarian, and able to work with values and systemic issues. They will also need to go beyond producing knowledge about our world to generating wisdom about how to act within it. To get to envisioned systems we will need to rapidly scale methodological innovations, connect innovators, and creatively accelerate learning about working with intractable challenges. We will also need to create new funding schemes, a global knowledge commons, and challenge deeply held assumptions. To genuinely be a creative force in supporting longevity of human and non-human life on our planet, the shift in knowledge systems will probably need to be at the scale of the enlightenment and speed of the scientific and technological revolution accompanying the second World War. This will require bold and strategic action from governments, scientists, civic society and sustained transformational intent