Ten faculty members of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) from non-engineering backgrounds have successfully completed the first ever computer programming training workshop for faculty members organized as part of the university’s unique “Coding for All” initiative. 

On December 21, 2023, at the Center for Cognitive Skill Enhancement (CCSE) laboratory on campus, Vice Chancellor Tanweer Hasan, PhD, the proponent of the "Coding for All" initiative aimed at bolstering students' digital readiness, presented certificates to faculty members. Joining him were Prof. Meherun Ahmed, PhD, Dean of the School of Business and Entrepreneurship, and Prof. Mamun Bin Ibne Reaz, PhD, Dean of the School of Engineering, Technology and Sciences.

Titled "Automate your day with Python," the workshop spanned four weeks, concluding on December 7, 2023. It was designed to provide practical skills in Python programming, aimed at enhancing the digital capabilities of the faculty. The program focused on automating everyday tasks, such as sending personalized mass emails, organizing files, and handling data in Excel spreadsheets.

One of the participants, Mahmud Hasan Khan, PhD, Professor at the Department of English and Modern Languages and Executive Director at the Sasheen Centre for Multilingual Excellence, said, “I wanted to know more about how to use Python to study Big Data. As a linguistic researcher, I work with huge volumes of text including interviews, transcripts and manuscripts. At the workshop, I got the basic idea about how to use Python to set the parameters for sentiment analysis.”

Vice Chancellor Tanweer Hasan, PhD, said, "At IUB, we have a unique approach where every student, regardless of their field of study, is required to develop computer and coding skills. This strategy ensures that our students are adequately equipped to thrive in their careers in this age of rapid digital communication and connectivity, particularly considering the 4th Industrial Revolution. This directive is not just a key strategic goal for us; it also distinguishes IUB in the academic landscape of Bangladesh."

He also said, “This initiative to train the faculties in addition to the students is part of IUB's broader effort to integrate digital skills into its academic environment. It reflects the university's recognition of the growing importance of technological proficiency in educational settings. The course structure emphasized real-world applications of programming, ensuring that the faculty members gained skills directly applicable to their academic and administrative roles.”

Faculty members from a variety of departments such as Global Studies and Governance, Management Information Systems, Development Studies, Life Sciences, Pharmacy, and others participated in the workshop. The training sessions were conducted by three faculty members from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. Launched in 2023, the "Coding for All" initiative has already seen several hundred students from different departments receive coding training.

BDST: 1712 HRS, JAN 02, 2024
MSK