Bhutan’s education sector has witnessed a major technological overhaul with the successful implementation of the Digital Flagship Programme, launched during the 12th Plan under the previous government. According to the Ministry of Education and Skill Development (MoESD), this initiative has achieved its goal of digitising all schools across the country.
With a substantial investment of Nu 900 million, the flagship programme was designed to modernize educational facilities, aligning them with 21st-century standards. The programme’s ambitious scope included equipping schools with cutting-edge technology, enhancing digital skills for both educators and students, and integrating information and communication technology (ICT) into the core curriculum.
Key achievements of the initiative include the installation of computers and projectors in every school and extended classroom (ECR), along with connecting all schools to high-speed optic fibre networks. In total, seven primary schools were provided with satellite connections, while all other institutions benefited from high-speed fibre connections. Each ECR and small primary school received at least five computers and one projector, with allocations based on criteria such as school level, student population, and existing resources.
Former Prime Minister Dr. Lotay Tshering lauded the programme’s accomplishments during a Meet-the-Press session in December 2022. He emphasized that every school now has internet facilities and IT labs, which are crucial for modern education.
The initiative also included a comprehensive update of the ICT curriculum, developed through collaboration among ICT educators, college professionals, the Bhutan Council for School Examinations and Assessment (BCSEA), and MoESD. This review incorporated global best practices with local insights to craft a curriculum that addresses the digital competencies necessary for students in today’s world.
The updated ICT curriculum is mandatory for students from classes PP to XII. Younger students, from PP to VI, have two ICT periods per week, while those in classes VII to XII have three. The curriculum focuses on four key areas: technology operations, communication and collaboration, safety and ethics, and coding. This structure ensures students build a robust set of digital skills essential for their future.
A notable addition is the introduction of coding classes starting from pre-primary levels. Students engage in unplugged coding activities before advancing to block and script coding. The CodeMonkey platform supports coding instruction for students in classes PP to VIII, while Python coding is introduced in higher grades.
Despite the programme’s success, some schools continue to face challenges such as limited computer availability and inadequate internet connectivity. The MoESD has acknowledged these issues and is working to address them in the current plans to ensure equitable access to digital resources across all schools.
The Digital Flagship Programme marks a significant leap forward for Bhutan’s education system, setting a new standard for integrating technology into learning and preparing students for a digitally-driven future.
