Google Stops its Bus in Bangladesh

Google loves to surprise everyone – whether it be with initiatives that change the very basis of the mobile world, with surreal algorithms that continuously render the perfect solution to just about any and every question or with some “moonshots” which promise to shatter and subsequently regenerate a better world. Keeping in line with its constant quest to help everyone (except certain rivals), Google has embarked on an educational escapade which promises to help students in our neighbouring country of Bangladesh get a first-hand experience of the benefits of using Google products across the many and varied walks of life. In the words of the behemoth itself,

“The aim is to educate half a million college and university students around Bangladesh about the power of using Google tools as a resource to support learning, and collaboration in everyday life.”

While that statement sounds just as ambiguous as it is open-ended, let us remember that this is also the very same company who loves to empower anyone and everyone. Thus, their open proclamation on their Google+ page that this initiative “is a platform for the students that have undergone training sessions in Bangladesh to come together, share ideas, and further connect” manages to clear the air regarding any misgivings / qualms people may have.

Whilst there are many other tech plans to help bring larger cliques of society in closer contact with modern technology (such as Facebook’s solar drones or Google’s very own Project Loon and 180 Satellites), this one goes the old-school way of literally mapping roads while spreading the word. Through this year-long project, the Google Bus intends to visit an estimated 500 odd educational institutes / campuses which are spread over about 35 different locations. Further, in a bid to encourage the young and nascent talent in the country, certain students are also being roped in as trainers to be a part of this wondrous initiative – case in point is depicted below :

Through the course of its various seminars, the Google Bus aims to help introduce the young generation to various new tools that can help them succeed – whether it be through the ubiquitous Android, the omnipotent Chrome or the par-superior Google Search Engine. Aiding them in this endeavour (of utilizing ICT [Information & Communication Technology] to enhance their life) will be a select group of young and like-minded tutors who will drop onto the campus with a range of on-the-go internet-connected hardware and a specially customized bus. The bus will have a wide array of features such as 3G Internet connectivity and numerous monitors and sound systems which can help deliver audio-visual (AV) material to a larger audience simultaneously – thereby, enabling a more interactive form of learning for all the young minds.

The educational initiative was launched at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) with great enthusiasm in the presence of Google’s Country manager of South and Southeast Asia, James McCulre, who appeared quite upbeat and optimistic regarding the scope of the project. He was quoted to the following effect,

“Equipped with the right training, we think this young, energetic and highly motivated section of society would be able to maximize the endless possibilities of the internet”

Whilst Google Bus has already made a few rounds, the following is their upcoming itinerary –

Do tell us your views / opinions regarding this new educational push from Google in the comments section below.