An Evaluation of Bangladesh Open University: Problems and Prospects

Distance education in Bangladesh started in 1956 with a distribution of 200 radio receivers. Open and distance learning (ODL) got institutional status through establishing the Bangladesh Open University (BOU) and it received the autonomous status by the Parliamentary Act, 1992. About 80 per cent of the total fund was a loan from ADB for this project. After ten years of the project, the ADB conducted an ex-post evaluation in 2002. The main purpose of this study was to develop the logical model and explore the present situation, prospects, constraints; and provide further recommendations. Research publications, report of ex-post evaluation of ADB and other secondary materials have been used as sources of information for this study. Further, the observation technique has been a strong input for this study. The study suggested a vision for BOU, utilizing the media center, and development of WebCT for an integrated software-based web for the ODL system. This study can help the policy makers and other stake holders of ODL in Bangladesh.