Published: 12:08 AM, 30 October 2026
Laptops Are Mostly Used for Video Games, Not for Improving ICT Skills
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has become an essential part of modern education and professional life. In Bangladesh, laptops are increasingly available to students, particularly in urban areas and educational institutions. However, a growing concern is that many students use their laptops mainly for playing video games and entertainment rather than developing their ICT skills. This trend raises questions about the effective use of technology for education and national development.
In the present digital age, computer literacy is necessary for academic success, employment, and entrepreneurship. Students can use laptops to learn programming, graphic design, web development, data analysis, video editing, and other valuable skills. They can also attend online courses, conduct research, prepare assignments, and explore educational resources. Unfortunately, many young users spend hours playing online games, watching videos, and browsing social media without making sufficient efforts to improve their technological abilities.
Several factors contribute to this problem. First, video games are entertaining and provide immediate enjoyment, whereas learning technical skills requires patience, concentration, and regular practice. Second, many students lack proper guidance from parents and teachers regarding productive laptop use. In some educational institutions, practical ICT education is limited by inadequate facilities, insufficient teacher training, and a shortage of hands-on learning opportunities.
Another important factor is the lack of awareness about the career opportunities available through ICT. Bangladesh's growing digital economy offers opportunities in software development, freelancing, digital marketing, cybersecurity, and information technology services. However, students who use laptops primarily for entertainment may fail to acquire the skills needed to benefit from these opportunities.
Excessive gaming can also affect students' academic performance, sleep patterns, and time management. Although gaming can improve certain abilities, such as strategic thinking and problem-solving, spending too much time on it at the expense of education can be harmful. Therefore, the objective should not be to discourage gaming entirely but to promote a healthy balance between recreation and learning.
To address this issue, schools and colleges should organize practical ICT workshops, coding competitions, and project-based learning activities. Teachers should encourage students to use laptops for research, presentations, and creative projects. Parents should monitor screen time and guide their children toward educational websites and skill-development platforms. The government can also support digital literacy programs, especially in rural areas, where access to quality ICT education remains a challenge.
Students must recognize that a laptop is more than a gaming device; it is a powerful tool for learning, innovation, and career development. If Bangladesh's young generation uses technology wisely, it can contribute significantly to the country's digital transformation. The real success of digital progress depends not on how many students own laptops, but on how effectively they use them to build knowledge and skills.
