Information and communication technology (ICT) has the potential to revolutionize education equity, quality, and efficiency. South Asia's governments have recognized this potential and invested in ICT-focused education initiatives and projects. While these efforts helped to introduce ICT-enabled teaching and learning practices, they may not be sufficient for widespread sustainable adoption within their countries. The stage of implementation and impact of investments also vary significantly from country to country in South Asia. This paper examines the existing state and gaps of ICT in education of three South Asian countries---Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka---and suggests strategies to address these gaps.

This publication is part of a series of six country reports on technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and higher education in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Each report presents current arrangements and initiatives in the respective country’s skills development strategies. These are complemented by critical analyses to determine key issues, challenges, and opportunities for innovative strategies toward global competitiveness, increased productivity, and inclusive growth. The emphasis is to make skills training more relevant, efficient, and responsive to emerging domestic and international labor markets. The reports were finalized in 2013 under the Australian AID-supported Phase 1 of Subproject 11 (Innovative Strategies for Accelerated Human Resource Development) of Regional Technical Assistance 6337 (Development Partnership Program for South Asia).

This publication is part of a series of six country reports on technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and higher education in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Each report presents current arrangements and initiatives in the respective country’s skills development strategies. These are complemented by critical analyses to determine key issues, challenges, and opportunities for innovative strategies toward global competitiveness, increased productivity, and inclusive growth. The emphasis is to make skills training more relevant, efficient, and responsive to emerging domestic and international labor markets. The reports were finalized in 2013 under the Australian AID-supported Phase 1 of Subproject 11 (Innovative Strategies for Accelerated Human Resource Development) of Regional Technical Assistance 6337 (Development Partnership Program for South Asia).

South Asia remains one of the fastest-growing regions in the world but concerns are rising that its workforce lacks the skills and education to drive its economy into the 21st century. Providing access to quality education and skills training is now a priority of policymakers in the region. But even though government spending on education has increased significantly in recent years, it has not resulted in effective education outcomes. This report is one in a series of four publications that examines how education and training systems in the region can be improved. In particular, it looks at the role that the private sector can play in improving standards through investments in education and training.

Significant investments have been made to modernize and improve the provision of education services. Strengthening teacher development has been a key component of these investments. However, programs on teacher development have provided mixed results. This report adopts a 360-degree perspective to review the current status of teacher development, demand and supply, and performance management in five countries from the South Asia region including Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, with limited reference to Bhutan and Maldives. It probes beyond teacher in-service training and teacher job conditions, and investigates systemic and structural issues. Continued investment may not be the best option to improve the quality and supply of teachers, and so the challenge is how to leverage resources to meet the demand.

This publication is part of a series of six country reports on technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and higher education in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Each report presents current arrangements and initiatives in the respective country's skills development strategies. These are complemented by critical analyses to determine key issues, challenges, and opportunities for innovative strategies toward global competitiveness, increased productivity, and inclusive growth. The emphasis is to make skills training more relevant, efficient, and responsive to emerging domestic and international labor markets. The reports were finalized in 2013 under the Australian AID-supported Phase 1 of Subproject 11 (Innovative Strategies for Accelerated Human Resource Development) of Regional Technical Assistance 6337 (Development Partnership Program for South Asia).