Nepal’s Digital Classrooms: (Government & learnwithopenai)

HISILA BHANDARI

Tue, 20 May 2025

In the 21st century, education systems around the world are being reshaped by digital transformation. The influence of technology on how students learn, how teachers teach, and how institutions operate is more significant than ever before. In this context, Nepal is witnessing a historic shift in its approach to education, driven by strong policy direction from the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MoEST), as well as contributions from innovative digital platforms like Learn With Open AI. This transformation is not only changing classrooms but also shaping the future of learning in homes, rural communities, and remote schools across the country.

A Historical Perspective on Nepal’s Digital Education Journey

Nepal’s move toward integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into education officially began with the formulation of the ICT in Education Master Plan (2013–2017). This was Nepal’s first structured national plan aiming to bring computers, internet access, and digital content into classrooms. Although the plan faced infrastructural and logistical challenges—especially in rural districts—it succeeded in creating the necessary groundwork for future progress. It promoted the idea that technology should not be a luxury in schools, but a necessity, and began the shift in mindset toward modern, tech-based education. This shift was further supported by the launch of the Digital Nepal Framework in 2019, a comprehensive policy designed to digitize all major sectors of national development, including education. The framework emphasizes not only building digital infrastructure but also strengthening human capital, enhancing digital literacy, and fostering innovation in teaching and learning methodologies. The government’s recognition of education as a strategic area for digital growth signifies its commitment to preparing the youth for a rapidly digitizing global economy.

School Education Sector Plan (SESP) 2022–2032: A Decade-Long Vision

One of the most ambitious initiatives in Nepal’s education sector is the School Education Sector Plan (SESP) 2022–2032. This decade-long strategy reflects the government’s intention to go beyond traditional education reform and embrace comprehensive digital integration. The SESP advocates for curriculum reforms that embed digital literacy, computational thinking, and blended learning from the basic to the secondary level. It aims to improve equitable access to education, particularly for girls, children from disadvantaged communities, and learners in remote areas. Under the SESP, there has been an increased focus on teacher capacity development. The Ministry has acknowledged that digital education is only effective when teachers are trained and confident in using technology. Consequently, efforts have been made to provide ICT-based professional development, online teacher training, and technical support systems across all provinces. Another transformative component of the SESP is the promotion of Blended Learning Models, which combine face-to-face teaching with digital content delivery. This is particularly important in a country like Nepal, where geographic and infrastructural challenges often prevent traditional classroom delivery from reaching every student. By integrating digital platforms into everyday classroom practices, the Ministry hopes to create a more flexible and inclusive education system.

Bridging the Gap: Community Learning Centers and Partnerships

In addition to schools, Community Learning Centers (CLCs) have become essential spaces for promoting lifelong learning and digital skills development. Over 2,000 CLCs operate under the supervision of local governments, providing informal and non-formal education, vocational training, and community awareness programs. The Ministry, in collaboration with UNESCO and CEHRD, has initiated projects to equip these CLCs with digital devices, e-learning materials, and training for facilitators. This model is particularly effective in empowering women, youth, and marginalized groups, many of whom have limited access to formal education systems. These centers are now transitioning into Digital CLCs, serving as local hubs where people can access online learning, attend digital literacy workshops, or explore career-related courses. They also serve as resilience mechanisms during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, when schools are closed. Through solar-powered devices, offline servers, and mobile learning units, the Ministry and its partners have successfully brought learning resources even to the most remote villages in Nepal.

OLE Nepal: Open-Source Innovation in Education

Another key government partner in Nepal’s digital education landscape is OLE Nepal (Open Learning Exchange Nepal). A pioneer in open-source educational content, OLE has developed platforms like E-Paath, which includes interactive digital lessons aligned with Nepal’s national curriculum, and E-Pustakalaya, a digital library with thousands of books, videos, audio lessons, and teacher training modules. OLE’s work stands out because it is localized, curriculum-based, and designed to operate offline—a major advantage for schools with unreliable internet. With support from the Ministry and international donors, OLE Nepal has installed offline servers (Raspberry Pi-based) in hundreds of schools, enabling thousands of students to access digital content in areas previously untouched by digital education.

National Innovation Center: High-Tech Classrooms for Rural Schools

The National Innovation Center (NIC), established by scientist Mahabir Pun, has introduced a new frontier in tech-based education with its High-Tech Classroom Project. These classrooms are equipped with smart boards, projectors, laptops, solar power systems, and even virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) devices. The NIC not only installs these technologies but also trains teachers and deploys EdTech Fellows who help schools use the equipment effectively. The High-Tech Classroom initiative is especially significant in rural areas, where digital disparity is highest. By transforming ordinary government schools into modern digital learning environments, the NIC is helping close the technology gap between urban and rural students. The project is built around a sustainable model that includes community participation, maintenance training, and local ownership.

The Rise of Learn With Open AI: Nepal’s Best Online Education Platform

While government and NGO efforts focus largely on public schools and national policy, the private sector has also emerged as a critical player in Nepal’s digital learning revolution. At the forefront of this movement is Learn With Open AI, an innovative and user-friendly online education platform that has rapidly become the best in Nepal. Learn With Open AI offers a wide array of courses tailored to modern learners, including subjects like stock market investing, freelancing, digital marketing, graphic design, Python programming, business development, and competitive exam preparation (such as Loksewa and entrance exams). The platform’s course materials are professionally designed, regularly updated, and available in both Nepali and English, making them accessible to learners across the country regardless of their background.

One of the major advantages of Learn With Open AI is its commitment to inclusive and flexible education. Users can learn at their own pace, revisit lessons at any time, and access content from mobile phones or laptops. The platform supports popular Nepali payment systems such as eSewa, Khalti, and ConnectIPS, allowing users from all provinces to enroll in high-quality courses with ease. It also offers lifetime access to purchased content, ensuring that learners can revise and update their skills whenever needed. What further sets Learn With Open AI apart is its strong community focus. The platform hosts regular live Q&A sessions, mentorship programs, discussion forums, and personalized guidance services. These features not only help learners stay engaged but also foster a sense of belonging and motivation, particularly for those learning independently at home. Its outreach has expanded to thousands of users from rural and urban backgrounds alike, serving as a model for what private-sector innovation in education can achieve.

Toward a Digitally Empowered Education System in Nepal

Nepal’s digital education journey is a story of resilience, collaboration, and innovation. From national plans like the Digital Nepal Framework and SESP, to the grassroots impact of CLCs, OLE Nepal, and NIC, and the modern offerings of Learn With Open AI, the country is building a future-ready, inclusive, and equitable education system. This transformation is not just about introducing computers or the internet in classrooms. It is about empowering every learner—regardless of location or background—with the tools to succeed in a knowledge-driven world. It is about bridging the digital divide, creating opportunities for lifelong learning, and ensuring that education becomes a driver of national development and innovation. As digital platforms like Learn With Open AI continue to expand their offerings, and as government efforts deepen their reach, Nepal is poised to become a regional leader in digital education. The synergy between visionary policies and grassroots implementation, between technology and pedagogy, is reshaping the very foundations of how Nepalis learn, grow, and thrive in a connected global era.