Gender disparity in computing is a well-explored concern. To complement existing research, we use a non-intrusive exploration method of Fictional Inquiry. Followed by co-design workshop to explore solution approaches to increase women’s participation in computing. The study involved n = 48 Women in Computing (WiC) students in computing from four universities across Bangladesh. Participants shared their challenges and desired solutions which we analyzed using qualitative methods along with Natural Language Processing based tools to illustrate the problems from various perspectives while minimizing potential biases. The research team reflects on methodological decisions, policy implications, and the need for culturally and contextually appropriate tools and datasets to better support WiC research in resource-limited settings.

Indigenous communities in Bangladesh are comparatively disadvantaged and face several barriers regarding rights. Access to technology and ICT can help indigenous communities open new economic, political, and social dimensions. The recent COVID-19 pandemic necessitated technology adoption for routine use, which is equally important for indigenous communities, but their technology adoption scenario remains unexplored in HCI research. Considering the research gap, we interviewed n=36 (Female 26 and Male 10) indigenous people from six different indigenous communities in Chattogarm and Sylhet divisions in Bangladesh. We found that they are strongly connected in communities, have independent technology access, and have no gender differences. They have a strong interest and eagerness to learn available technologies that help them in their professions, enrich their technical skills, communication, social participation, and expand the business. The study also revealed some challenges while using technology, but that did not negatively impact their usage. The study also discussed the community-centric strengths that helped them fight against the COVID-19 crisis and work for their development. This research impacts HCI literature, revealing the technology adoption scenarios of Indigenous communities in Bangladesh.

COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every sphere of students’ life along with forcing the transition to online education which brought a significant change in the learning habits of students. Different options like using file-sharing websites, online solvers etc. for cheating were exploited by the students in the tertiary education level. We explored the driving factors of cheating by the university students (Female = 17, Male = 28). We found that the stress during the pandemic; easy availability of online materials; and competitive nature of students impelled them to cheat. The students asserted that adapting these ways of cheating has affected their various significant skills as students. The conversations show that appropriate measures to motivate students to stop cheating must be taken. Our study contributes to the research community by exploring the different factors of cheating in online exams in Bangladesh.

This paper aims to understand the educational settings of children with autism (CWA) in the specialized schools of Bangladesh from their parents' perspective. Sparse research in the same context to understand teachers' perceptions has been found. Though parents and teachers are an integral part of these children's educational experience, limited research has been conducted to deeply understand and facilitate parent-teacher relationships to offer CWA an improved learning experience in Bangladesh. Our in-depth qualitative study on urban parents (N=10) showed current challenges and opportunities relating to the schools designed for CWA. The work takes a closer look at the existing concerns and confirms that parent-teacher communication in autism schools here is a complex one because of other interferences (e.g., social, and familial stigma, lack of transparency from administrators, insufficient qualified teachers) as felt by the parents. Nevertheless, the remarkable coverage of cellular networks and increasing usage of mobile phones in Bangladesh places us in a unique position to expect positive changes by employing ICT, which we believe will open avenues for future researchers and guide them in implementing robust technology to support an improved learning environment for the CWA and their families.