Technology can democratise education

Source- The post is based on the article “Technology can democratise education” published in “The Indian Express” on 12th April 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Issues related to development and management of education

Relevance– Issues related to importance of technology for education

News– The article explains the importance of education to achieve the vision of Amrit Kaal.

What is the potential of the Indian economy?

India is the world’s third-largest economy in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP).

A significant contributing factor to prosperity is India’s young population.

43% of Indians are aged 25 in 2023. The majority of the population expected to remain of working age until at least 2100.

According to the Confederation of Indian Industry, if the country’s working-age population is productively employed, its GDP can grow from $3 trillion to $9 trillion by 2030 and $40 trillion by 2047.

How can India be a global leader in the near future by investing in education?

The key to unlock India’s potential lies in education technology or EdTech.

Education will play a pivotal role in ushering the nation into the Knowledge Age. In Amrit Kaal, every child, regardless of socio-economic background, will have access to quality education. The next 25 years will be defined by how well we can educate our people.

There is a need to democratise technology and unleash its full potential. It will propel the nation towards its Amrit Kaal goals.

The key to unlock India’s potential lies in education technology or EdTech. Digital technology is the foundation of the modern ecosystem. The Digital India initiative and National Education Policy is a massive leap in the right direction.

Intelligence-embedded virtual classrooms, multi-disciplinary institutions, simulated field visits, and schools that digitally disseminate knowledge to students will decide the success. Investments in tech-driven education will convert students into competent, compassionate, and transformative future leaders.

What are the challenges before India’s education system?

UNESCO data shows that one out of four children aged five has never had any form of pre-primary education. This represents 35 million out of 137 million five-year-old children worldwide.

The pandemic further exacerbated challenges to education. It has widened the learning gaps and led to generational learning loss.

Data shows that children with disabilities, from migrant families, those living in remote areas, from marginalised communities, and girls in particular are impacted the most.