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What role do technology and information play in education?
Technology and information play pivotal roles in education by enhancing accessibility, personalization, and engagement. Online platforms and digital resources make learning accessible from anywhere, while adaptive learning systems and multimedia content cater to individual learning styles and needs. Collaboration tools and social media facilitate communication and knowledge sharing, while data analytics enable informed decision-making and personalized feedback. Innovations like flipped classrooms and virtual reality provide immersive and interactive learning experiences. Additionally, technology streamlines administrative tasks, allowing educators to focus more on teaching. However, challenges like the digital divide and data privacy must be addressed to ensure equitable and effective use of technology in education.
Aside from teaching, what do you value more highly in your professional life?
Aside from teaching, BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology (BUFT) highly values innovation, industry-academia collaboration, and sustainability. The university emphasizes research and development to advance fashion and textile technologies. It fosters strong partnerships with industry leaders to provide practical, hands-on experiences and enhance employability. Additionally, BUFT is committed to promoting sustainable practices in fashion and textile production, preparing students to lead in an eco-friendly and socially responsible industry. We also encourage extracurricular activities that involve a wide range of students and are sponsored by faculty members. These activities benefit students in various ways, including forming relationships, enhancing learning, developing communication skills, reducing dropout rates, and more.
Many nations throughout the world have achieved significantly higher educational standards than we have. How far do you think we've come by 2024?
By 2024, we have made significant progress in raising educational standards. Advances in technology integration, curriculum modernization, and teacher training have improved the quality of education. Increased investment in digital infrastructure has expanded access to online learning and resources. Furthermore, partnerships with international institutions have helped to align our educational practices with global standards. However, there is still work to be done to bridge gaps in educational equity and to ensure that all students benefit from these improvements.
Each year, students from our nation travel overseas for higher education. What is the cause of it?
Each year, students from our nation travel overseas to further their education, seeking higher academic standards, enhanced research opportunities, specialized programs, cultural diversity, and improved career prospects, including better job opportunities at home. However, it is likely that many Bangladeshi students pursue higher education overseas with the intention of seeking employment abroad, believing that they will have a better life outside of Bangladesh. In my opinion, this belief is more of a myth than reality. Nonetheless, studying abroad provides valuable exposure to global changes.
As Vice-Chancellor, what are your future plans to raise the standard of the university's research and teaching?
As Vice-Chancellor, my plans for elevating the university's research and teaching standards include investing in continuous faculty development and advanced training, expanding and modernizing research facilities, and strengthening collaborations with industry leaders and foreign universities and research institutions. I aim to promote interdisciplinary research, integrate the latest educational technologies into the curriculum, and build partnerships with leading global institutions to exchange knowledge and best practices. These initiatives will enhance the quality of both teaching and research at the university.
What kind of challenges you have faced in implementing the plan for world class education system?
Implementing a world-class education system plan has posed challenges such as funding constraints, building appropriate lab infrastructure with qualified manpower and up-to-date teaching i.e., machines, equipment and materials adapting to rapid technological changes, ensuring equitable access, addressing curriculum relevance, and providing adequate teacher training. Additionally, maintaining quality standards amidst diverse student needs and expectations remains crucial.
Currently there are many private universities in our country. Why should a student enroll in your university?
Students should consider enrolling in BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology (BUFT) for its specialized focus on education in readymade garments and textile industry, especially, the fashion and technology and the university’s industry-relevant programs designed in collaboration with leading professionals. BUFT provides state-of-the-art facilities, practical learning experiences, and opportunities for internships at companies of prominent industry partners. The university emphasizes sustainable practices in fashion, preparing students for global careers in a socially responsible industry.
What contribution is your university making in creating employable manpower during students' time?
BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology (BUFT) contributes to creating employable manpower by offering industry-aligned programs, facilitating internships with leading companies, organizing skill development workshops, poster presentation programs, exhibition of creative products, developing communicative skills, providing career counseling, and supporting entrepreneurial initiatives. These efforts prepare students for successful careers in the fashion and technology sectors.
-In the world of technology of the future, modern technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics and big data will play a major role. What kind of role does your university have for students in the technology?
In the evolving landscape of future technology, BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology (BUFT) prepares students by integrating modern advancements in the context of the 4th industrial revolution with special focus on artificial intelligence, robotics, and big data into its curriculum. The university emphasizes hands-on learning experiences, fosters research in emerging technologies, collaborates with industry partners for practical training, and conducts skill development activities. These initiatives aim to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in tech-driven industries, ensuring they are prepared for impactful roles in the workplace of tomorrow.
How is the contribution of private universities in the field of employment?
Private universities significantly contribute to employment by offering specialized education that meets industry needs, providing practical training through internships and placements, supporting entrepreneurship initiatives, offering career services to enhance employability, and advancing research and innovation to create new job opportunities and solutions in various fields.
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