This article features why Indian education institutes are officially parting ways with EdTech firms
The University Grants Commission (UGC) and the All India Council for Technical Education have told Indian education institutes to break their tie-ups with EdTech firms or get ready to be derecognized. In a red-letter notice issued on Sunday, both the bodies asked Indian education institutes to annul agreements with EdTech firms. According to reports, some of the education institutes were outsourcing content creation to EdTech players, some were asking faculty from such companies to teach and certain e-learning companies are also awarding degrees.
Educational institutes and EdTech Firms: Partnership Over
Warning from the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) have turned things upside-down for both educational institutes and EdTech firms. Officials mentioned the transfer got here after the upper schooling secretary flagged ads providing academic levels by EdTech firms.
The report additionally cautioned college students in opposition to moving into such preparations and mentioned they have to verify the popularity/entitlement standing of a program earlier than enrolling in it.
Few EdTech firms are adverting that they offer degree and diploma programs in ODL/online modes in association with some universities or educational institutions. Such a franchise arrangement is not permissible and action will be taken against defaulting EdTech companies as well as HEIs under applicable laws/rules.
Some of the Indian education institutions had been outsourcing content material creation to EdTech firms and a few EdTech organizations had been awarding levels. Some universities and institutes are running programs through EdTech companies. Using a particular platform or a learning management system is one thing, but many Indian education institutes are outsourcing the running of their online courses to companies. That kind of outsourcing or franchising is definitely not permitted.
UGC doesn’t want online players advertising that they are offering MBA or BMS because they do not have the permission to do so. And who will be responsible for the lack of quality?
Government warning: The transfer got here after the schooling ministry issued an advisory about online platforms in late December, saying some companies had been concentrating on households by getting the digital fund switch (EFT) mandate signed or activating the auto-debit function. It mentioned the division of faculty schooling and literacy had acquired a number of complaints about this and suggested dad and mom deactivate the auto-debit choice for subscriptions in ‘freemium’ fashions.
“Given the pervasive impact of technology in education, many EdTech firms have started offering online courses, tutorials, coaching for competitive exams, and more. In this background, the parents, students, and all stakeholders in school education have to be careful while deciding on opting for online content and coaching being offered by a host of EdTech firms,” the ministry mentioned.
Hence, both education institutions and EdTech firms have no choice but part their ways. Now it would be interesting to see what will be the next step of EdTech firms, and how Indian education institutes will manage the mess.
