The Integration of Technology in Nepal’s Education System
The education system of Nepal is primarily curriculum-based, with a strong emphasis on textbooks. Instruction follows the national curriculum established by the “Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology.” However, the curriculum is predominantly theoretical, indicating a limited focus on technology-based education.
Nepal is lagging in the integration of technology into education. Among the total population of around 27 million, Nepal has approximately 35 hundred schools. The ratio suggests that there is one school for every 6 hundred 50 people. This average implies that no child should face geographical barriers or walk long distances to reach school. However, the reality in Nepal has not yet aligned with these expectations.
Nepal is lagging in the integration of technology into education. Among the total population of around 27 million, Nepal has approximately 35 hundred schools. The ratio suggests that there is one school for every 6 hundred 50 people.
Despite 9 years since the promulgation of the constitution and 7 years of federalism, Nepal has yet to develop clear policies, regulations, and implementation plans for education. A power struggle persists among the three levels of government. In rural areas, children still must walk for hours through forests and across streams to reach school. For secondary education, students often face the challenge of walking up to two hours. While some schools may be nearby, the compulsion to walk for hours to access education remains unchanged in certain settlements in the Himalayas, hills, and the Terai. What kind of learning environment are they experiencing? What is the condition of the infrastructure in those areas? The conditions of schools attended by children from remote and underprivileged communities are still vastly different from the experiences and imaginations of the affluent. In these regions, the transition from sitting on mats in traditional Gurukuls to using wooden planks as makeshift benches in dusty classrooms represents progress, though it is slow. Meanwhile, urban and institutional schools have established environments where children can sit comfortably around small tables on small chairs. While this gradual improvement shows some solace, it may still take several more decades for community schools to become fully equipped with modern technology.
Tech Shortfall: Low Adoption of Technology in Nepali Education
Technology-based education in Nepal is still underdeveloped, which has hindered the improvement of educational quality. In rural areas, where more than half of the country’s population resides, access to technology in schools is limited. According to a 2019 report by the Nepal Telecommunications Authority, internet access in rural areas is less than 30 percent. Most schools lack technology-friendly infrastructure, such as computers, projectors, and internet connectivity. A 2020 study by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology revealed that 75 percent of schools do not have basic computer lab facilities.
Most schools lack technology-friendly infrastructure, such as computers, projectors, and internet connectivity. A 2020 study by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology revealed that 75 percent of schools do not have basic computer lab facilities.
School infrastructure and facilities play a crucial role in the quality of education. Nevertheless, many schools in Nepal are still without even basic amenities. For instance, a 2019 study by the Ministry of Education found that over 60 percent of schools nationwide lack adequate classrooms, toilet facilities, and drinking water. There is also a significant shortfall in teacher training. The access to and use of technology in education remains limited. In rural areas, access to the internet and computers is minimal. According to the same 2019 report by the Nepal Telecommunications Authority, more than 30 percent of schools in the country lack internet facilities. Similarly, a 2018 survey by the Ministry of Education indicated that over 50 percent of teachers have not received sufficient training in the use of technology. If teachers themselves are not well-versed in technology, how can students become proficient in it? While digital teaching materials have been developed for urban private schools, efforts to create digital educational content for rural areas have not yet reached their intended destinations. For example, in 2020, the National Examination Board developed digital teaching materials for grade 12 students, but these materials have not reached most rural areas.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for online education surged, but many students were unable to join online classes due to limited access to technology. According to a report by the Ministry of Education, 85 percent of students were unable to attend online classes during the 2020 lockdown. This clearly shows that the limited use of technology and the lack of infrastructure have hindered the improvement of the quality of education in Nepal. To improve its education system, Nepal needs to expand access to technology, offer teacher training, develop digital teaching materials, and build technology-friendly infrastructure.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for online education surged, but many students were unable to join online classes due to limited access to technology.
Claiming that Nepal’s education system is technology-friendly by citing examples from some urban schools is certainly not justifiable for the teaching and learning conditions in rural areas. There is still a significant gap in the quality of education between public and private schools in Nepal. Private schools generally offer better-quality education, but due to high fees, many students cannot afford to attend them. It is essential to improve the quality of education in public schools.
How Technology Can Transform Nepali Education
The use of technology in education can bring about significant changes in the teaching and learning process. It makes learning more effective, relevant, and life-applicable for students. Technology promotes accessibility and inclusivity in education. With the internet and digital devices, students can access education from any location. Students in remote areas of Nepal can receive quality education through online learning platforms. According to a 2019 UNESCO report, online education increased access to education for students in rural areas by 40 percent. Moreover, digital content such as videos, animations, e-books, and interactive games capture students’ attention and enrich their learning experience. It helps them understand difficult concepts more easily.
According to a 2020 UNESCO report, Nepal has a high enrollment rate in early and primary education. The primary education enrollment rate has reached 97%.
Furthermore, technology encourages collaborative learning among students. Online teaching tools like Google Classroom and Microsoft Teams enable students to work in groups. This fosters the development of teamwork and communication skills. During the COVID-19 pandemic, schools worldwide successfully adopted collaborative learning through online teaching platforms. Nepal also practiced this to some extent. However, with the end of the pandemic, Nepal, which was just beginning to embrace technology, seems to have come to a complete halt in its use of it!
According to a 2020 UNESCO report, Nepal has a high enrollment rate in early and primary education. The primary education enrollment rate has reached 97%. However, the enrollment rate in secondary and higher education is comparatively lower, with secondary education at around 65% and higher education dropping further to 12%. The dropout rate among students remains a significant challenge. In a study conducted by education expert Dr. Min Bahadur Shahi across schools in 27 districts, he identified three primary reasons for student dropouts: the students themselves, parental influence, and teacher-related issues. This indicates that Nepal’s education system is facing various challenges, including a lack of infrastructure, limited access to technology, a shortage of trained teachers, and issues with theoretical curricula. To address these challenges, the government and stakeholders in the education sector must collaborate, focusing on the use of technology, teacher training, and the development of basic infrastructure.
Out of 464,785 students who took the SEE, 222,472 passed, while 242,313 students failed, falling into the “Non-Graded (NG)” category. Similarly, in the recently published results for Grade 12, only 52% of students passed.
The SEE (Secondary Education Examination) for Grade 10 is considered a critical examination in Nepal’s educational system. However, this year, the National Examination Board reported that in the previous year’s SEE results, the failure rate exceeded the pass rate. More than half of the students, 52.14%, failed the exam. Out of 464,785 students who took the SEE, 222,472 passed, while 242,313 students failed, falling into the “Non-Graded (NG)” category. Similarly, in the recently published results for Grade 12, only 52% of students passed. These results highlight the pressing need for educational reform.
Government Initiatives: Enhancing Nepal’s Education System
Efforts to improve the quality of education in Nepal are indeed underway. The government has initiated various programs aimed at enhancing educational quality. Programs such as the Education Communication Plan and the Education Literacy Campaign have been launched to address issues in the education sector, though their effectiveness has been limited. The lack of attention and seriousness in the implementation of these programs by the government is a contributing factor to the country’s stagnant educational status.
In 2018, the government introduced the Education Infrastructure Improvement Plan to upgrade the physical infrastructure and facilities of schools. While this plan led to the construction of new classrooms and toilets in over 300 schools, it has not been sufficient to meet all needs.
Similarly, in 2020, the National Examination Board developed digital learning materials for Grade 12 students. Although these materials were intended to enable students to utilize online resources, many schools lack technology-friendly teachers, rendering these resources underused or ineffective. Consequently, the materials have often deteriorated without being properly utilized.
International Education Insights
Israel, which gained recognition as an independent nation in 1948, has placed a strong emphasis on education as a foundational pillar. Since that year, it has declared education compulsory and free for all citizens, a policy that continues to this day. Established in 1912, the Technion Institute has earned a prominent reputation in the field of technology, and Israel’s advancements in science and technology are considered exemplary on a global scale. The country’s per capita income has reached $38,261.
Israel invests significantly in its education sector, ensuring that education is accessible to all citizens. The country has gained recognition for its pre-primary or kindergarten education. The government arranges all necessary provisions for children in schools, including play, food, entertainment, and learning.
In primary schools, there are approximately 15 teachers for every 2 hundred students. These teachers work only 15 to 20 hours per week. Interestingly, state-level inspections, which occur every four to five years, ensure that schools adhere to procedures and are motivated to perform well.
The “Girls for Girls” program demonstrates Israel’s substantial investment in girls’ education. Government initiatives include scholarships, female-specific curricula, clothing, and sanitation facilities, all managed by the public sector.
Germany’s education system is also considered exemplary. In primary schools, there are approximately 15 teachers for every 2 hundred students. These teachers work only 15 to 20 hours per week. Interestingly, state-level inspections, which occur every four to five years, ensure that schools adhere to procedures and are motivated to perform well. Schools that do not improve within three years are subject to closure. Additionally, the leadership of schools is selected through a competitive process based on project proposals submitted by candidates.
Finland’s education system is renowned worldwide for its excellence and focus on the holistic development of students. It practices inclusive education, providing equal opportunities to all students and offering personalized support to those with special needs. Teachers must hold a master’s degree and are granted autonomy in designing and implementing curricula, encouraging instruction tailored to student’s interests and abilities. Through project-based learning, students engage in real-life projects that foster creativity and problem-solving skills. Homework and exams are minimized, with greater emphasis placed on classroom activities, prioritizing students’ mental health and well-being.
The UK education system is recognized for its focus on diversity and inclusivity, high-quality education, and practicality. It follows a national curriculum that ensures a standardized level of education for all students. For example, it covers a range of subjects from early education (Key Stage 1 and 2) to secondary education (Key Stage 3 and 4), including mathematics, science, languages, history, and the arts. This curriculum emphasizes the comprehensive development of students, providing them with essential knowledge and skills.
Special support is provided for students with special educational needs and disabilities. According to a report from the UK Department for Education in 2021, 14% of students receive assistance for such needs, highlighting the success and importance of inclusive education. The extensive use of technology is another key aspect of the UK’s education system. Digital learning materials and e-learning platforms enhance teaching and learning. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, UK schools effectively adopted online teaching. A survey by the Department for Education revealed that 85% of schools utilized online learning platforms during the 2020-21 academic year, demonstrating the significance and effectiveness of technology in education. Additionally, vocational skills and training are provided to students. The T-Levels program, introduced for students aged 16 to 19, helps develop vocational skills. This program equips students with the necessary skills for specific industries, including construction, healthcare, and digital sectors.
