Students’ Day 2022: How EdTech is helping shape the future of education in India 

Every year, India celebrates Students’ Day on October 15, which marks the birth anniversary of our former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. This day is celebrated to honor the People’s President, who wanted the world to remember him as a teacher. He loved interacting with students, and children always looked up to him. He always said, “You have to dream first to succeed,” and it inspired generations of students to do what they love. Dr Kalam died doing what he always loved- teaching.  

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” 

-Dr A.P.J Abdul Kalam 

However, his teachings are etched in the hearts of students and youngsters even today. “The best brains of the nation may be found in the last benches of the classroom,” he said. He strongly believed that every student plays a significant role in the development of a country. Dr Kalam believed that youngsters are key to nation building. So, he spent most of his life interacting with students and shared his experiences with them through books.  

“The purpose of education is to make good human beings with skill and expertise…Enlightened human beings can be created by teachers.” 

-Dr A.P.J Abdul Kalam 

This Students’ Day, we must not only remember what a great leader Dr A.P.J Abdul Kalam was, but also think deeply about how far we’ve come in terms of education in India. Every day, we hear stories about children dropping out of schools, and this is a serious issue. However, focusing on education technology could break the barriers that children have in pursuing their education.  

Even though EdTech has been a booming industry over the last few years, the Covid-19 pandemic has pushed us towards online mode of learning. Online classrooms have become a reality. Moreover, the Indian government is now extending support in bringing technology into classrooms and sees this as a means of achieving 100% literacy rate in the country.  

The National Education Policy (NEP) published in 2020 states the need to integrate technology in classrooms. This is aimed at achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 4, i.e., “ensuring inclusive and equitable education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.”  

This validation has pushed the EdTech sector into a potential $120 billion industry, as India is witnessing several industry giants growing in scale and net worth. 

EdTech is not just the need of the hour but is paving the way for future of education in India. EdTech has the potential to change the education scenario in India, an effective strategy can help in attaining 100% literacy in our country.  

How EdTech is shaping higher education

Several students are opting for online mode for pursuing their higher education. EdTech provides students with specially tailored classes, that students can comfortably attend anywhere, anytime. Youngsters today are accustomed to technology being an integral part of their lives. So, they also find it easy to attend classes on their smartphones.  

A digital twin of on-campus learning: Online learning is a virtual replica of conventional classroom settings, and students can get rid of rigid timetables. Online education also provides quality education, making it more in demand today.  

Comfort: Through online education, students can pick a college or university of their choice, and study from the comfort of their homes. The nature of virtual learning erases geographics constrains.  

Digital syllabus & e-learning materials: EdTech modules have an upper hand over traditional textbooks, as the e-learning material is more interactive with audio, video and multimedia elements that give a more engaging experience.  

Role of technology: Most universities today deliver online classes using cutting-edge technology, that makes it interesting for learners to absorb vast amounts of information. Virtual and augmented reality can be used while conducting complex classes, which helps in more immersive learning.  

EdTech is not only a boon in the life of students, but it caters to people from all walks of life. 

Working professionals: Nowadays, many working professionals are opting for higher education. It could be for several reasons like career growth, knowledge enhancement, or better salary. However, they also don’t want to quit their jobs to pursue a degree. Online degrees can be pursued anywhere, anytime, and you don’t have to quit your job.  

Married women: Online degrees can greatly help married women, new mothers or homemakers, who want to take up higher education. Without altering their daily routine, they can pursue higher education from anywhere.  

Entrepreneurs: Online higher education can be of great help for entrepreneurs or budding entrepreneurs. You can acquire in-demand skills and the knowledge required to understand the crux of a business and be successful.  

With the EdTech industry booming in India and globally, there is no doubt that online learning is the future of education. The EdTech sector is trying to achieve the government’s dream of a transparent educational system in pursuit of increasing learning outcomes.