Improving Skills and Jobs with Gamified Simulation-Based Learning

Source: The post Improving Skills and Jobs with Gamified Simulation-Based Learning has been created, based on the article “Gamify India’s skilling initiatives” published in “The Hindu” on 9th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- Economy-growth, development and employment.

Context: The article discusses India’s unemployment problem and the need for better skilling programs. It highlights the gap between the skills of job seekers and industry needs. The article suggests using gamified and simulation-based training to improve skill development and employability. Improving Skills and Jobs with Gamified Simulation-Based Learning

For detailed information on Potential of India’s EdTech sector read this article here

What is India’s skilling challenge?

1. India needs 78.5 lakh new non-farm jobs annually until 2030 to meet workforce demands (Economic Survey 2023-24).
2. Only 21% of youth (15-29 years) received vocational/technical training (PLFS 2022-23).
3. Formal vocational training reached just 4.4% of youth in 2022-23.
4. Only 51% of graduates are employable (Chief Economic Advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran).
5. Existing skilling programs lack quality, industry relevance, and reach.

How is Industry 4.0 affecting skilling?

1. Introduction of Advanced Technologies: Industry 4.0 (I4.0) integrates artificial intelligence, robotics, IoT, and big data into smart manufacturing.
2. Adoption by Manufacturers: Over two-thirds of Indian manufacturers are expected to adopt digital transformation by 2025.
3. Government Initiative: SAMARTH Udyog Bharat 4.0 supports digital transformation in industries.

How can gamified and simulation-based learning help?

1. Improves Engagement: Gamified learning uses points, badges, and leaderboards, making training interactive and enjoyable.
2. Better Knowledge Retention: Simulation-based learning offers hands-on practice in controlled environments, improving long-term learning.
3. Addresses Skills Gap: Only 1.5% of engineers and 40% of MSME workers have Industry 4.0 skills. Gamified methods can help bridge this gap.
4. Global Examples: Singapore and Germany have successfully integrated gamified and simulation-based training.

How can India implement these methods?

1. Platforms like SWAYAM and Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) can host gamified and simulation modules.
2. SWAYAM: Over 40 million participants, 93.45% course completions in engineering and sciences.
3. SIDH: 7.63 lakh users enrolled in 752 courses, offering 7.37 lakh minutes of digital content.
4. Custom modules can simulate professional scenarios, track trainee progress, and connect students with industry projects.

For detailed information on Skill India Digital (SID) Platform read this article here

Question for practice:

Examine how gamified and simulation-based learning can address India’s skilling challenges and enhance employability in the context of Industry 4.0.