Still sunny days for edtech?

Still sunny days for online learning?

With over 1.6 billion students exposed to virtual classrooms, is edtech well primed to catalyse equitable access to education in the post-pandemic years?

The edtech business in India rose to prominence during the pandemic, which exposed our school system to e-learning modules. Edtech companies have played a major role in bridging the gaps in the school system. As reports revealed, around 80% of schools in India lacked technical support and internet in 2020.

As the ecosystem has evolved over the two years, this condition has improved substantially. Government aids and edtech learning campaigns have spread online learning across different parts of the country. Online course enrolment has observed a 17-fold growth in 2021. Even as schools in India have partially opened, the impact of e-learning is still strong. Many schools have created an online streaming portal for students to participate in classes.

However, the socioeconomic divide is still strong. While urban students are actively participating in online learning programmes, rural children are yet to become tech-friendly. Technology and high-speed internet connection facilities are yet to set foot in many parts of the country. Many schools have reported challenges faced by teachers due to low digital literacy.

While these are early days, efforts made by the government in enhancing digital awareness and outreach are yielding fruits. It has launched 28 digital programmes to encourage e-learning, including SWAYAM and e-Yantra. The e-Vidya (one class, one TV channel) programme offers ‘education for all’ to students. Additionally, it launched DESH-Stack e-portal to give API certification training. E-labs are also being developed to improve critical thinking in math and science.

The biggest challenge is explaining the benefits of e-learning to people accustomed to traditional methods. Government schools will need to ensure availability of sufficient computers and internet access on the premises. Teachers’ training programs, innovative mechanisms and regional content are required. Stakeholders need to contribute towards building a dynamic ecosystem for the growth of edtech. The role of parents should be clearly highlighted in promoting online learning. Two-way interaction is needed for successful outcomes.

Since most people in villages have never had the required exposure to advanced digital devices, bringing a reform for the growth of edtech in India is quite challenging in the short term. But it is heartening to note that numerous startups and edtech firms are taking government initiatives forward with central funding. Enrolment rates in distance learning programmes has also increased considerably. As per reports, 11% of the total enrolment in higher education is credited to distance learning courses.

With more equitable access through digitisation, the face of Indian education could change in the years to come. But India needs to ensure a rapid proliferation of digital access and rise in digital literacy. Moreover, online education should not compromise on either quality or engagement. It is a learning phase for all involved.