India’s edtech ecosystem: Let our learning curve be hybrid, holistic and hyper-personalized

Source: The post is based on the article “Let our learning curve be hybrid, holistic and hyper-personalized” published in the Livemint on 21^st November 2022.

Syllabus: GS – 2 – Issues relating to the development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education.

Relevance: About India’s edtech ecosystem.

News: The edtech ecosystem has turned pandemic challenges into an opportunity and taken digital learning to the masses. It is time for them to move to next level.

What type of digital technologies can aid the growth of India’s edtech ecosystem?

Digital India and other ambitious government programmes such as Swayam, Atal Labs and PM e-Vidya are bringing together world-class pedagogies and technologies to unlock the true potential of India and its students.

The following digital technologies can aid the growth of India’s ed-tech ecosystem.

Deeper integration of hybrid and ‘phygital’ formats: Hybrid learning will probably emerge as a preferred learning tool for better engagement and flexibility across all levels of education. The ‘phygital’ model, combining digital learning with hands-on learning and instructor interventions will also improve in future.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and ‘gamification’: AI has the ability to create impactful solutions for learning. AI can foster real-time collaborative learning experiences between different student communities, thereby overcoming the traditional constraints of space, time and geography.

Simulated labs, experiential centres and ‘gamified’ content can become the preferred modes for students to explore academics.

What are the advantages of India’s edtech ecosystem?

The emergence of entrepreneurial mindset training: India is featuring among the top entrepreneurial economies in the world and is home to 250+ million school-going children. Edtech systems can focus on how education systems can foster creativity and entrepreneurial thought among children through academic and non-academic interventions.

Increased inclusivity in the learning ecosystem: The effort towards inclusive and accessible digital learning is enshrined in National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Edtech platforms can include the previously excluded student communities into mainstream learning.

Educating the educators: Teachers globally have experienced a steep upward curve where they have learnt how to integrate technology into their classrooms. As this trend continues, there will be a concerted effort to upskill teachers in the use of tech-enabled pedagogical techniques.

Moving from STEM to STEAM: There will be a sharper focus on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) programmes that help students develop competencies holistically. By being at the intersection of media, technology and education, edtech is well-positioned to lead this trend.

Social and emotional learning in mainstream education: Edtech can provide tools that help students and teachers remain connected to each other virtually. By leveraging tech-enabled collaboration tools, edtech can help educators design projects and coursework that can inculcate better social skills in their classrooms.

This will extend the efforts of creating a safe, healthy and functional social community within schools and institutions of learning.

Overall, India’s edtech ecosystem is set to create a billion-plus lifelong self-learners in India.