Role of Digitization and Technology

Digitization and Technology are playing a great role to shape the education system of India

Before the pandemic, education was steadily shifting away from classroom instruction and towards virtual learning. The current situation has only sped up the use of digital learning. To maintain the continuity of education, schools and universities have been compelled to implement online education. With the internet penetration rate in India expected to exceed 55% by the end of 2025, digitization of education remains one of our government’s key goals.

Starting in 2020, Indian universities and colleges, which were previously prohibited from offering more than 20% of a degree online, will be able to provide more than 20% of a degree online to increase access to higher educationand boost the profile of Indian institutions throughout the world. Many ed-tech firms have also emerged, promising to deliver unrivaled learning management tools, such as blended learning, 3D and DIY kits, and AI-based immersive and interactive learning.

Emphasis on Digitization:

Recognizing that broad Education is essential for quick growth, the government has released a new National Education Policy (NEP) that emphasizes digitization as well as the use of technology in education. It also focuses on using tech to improve education, especially in the rural areas. This was primarily done to ensure that excellent education was available in all regions of the country, particularly in tier 2 and tier 3 cities and towns. The government realized that technology can reach out to tiny towns and villages and supply competent teachers.

The Ministry of Education was given a budget of 93,224.31 crores, in the fiscal year 2021-22. The Department of Higher education was given a budget of 38,350.65 crores, an increase of nearly 8,100 crores over the revised projections for the current fiscal year. In the middle of Covid-19, several Ed-Tech platforms, like Unacademy, Adda247, Vedantu, etc, are boosting online learning.

Bridging the Digital Divide:

With the move to online education, the digital divide and digital preparedness of all stakeholders and institutions are becoming more prominent. In comparison to higher education institutions, the digital divide in schools is considerably larger. The budget also mentions bridging the digital divide in public and private schools, which is another area where progress is needed. All school students, regardless of their geography, socioeconomic background, or internet and bandwidth availability, should be able to receive education through digital methods. The way forward is to construct the necessary infrastructure, hire qualified instructors, and provide a curriculum that is appropriate for each school.

Industry-Ready Students:

Higher educationInstitutions’ top goals are to prepare students for the workforce by assessing their skills and matching them to industry requirements. It is now time to say goodbye to the old and tedious rote-learning methods, which place a greater emphasis on memorization than on a thorough grasp of the subject. AIMA, IIMs, ISB, Ashoka University, Amity University, and Christ University are among the Educational Institutions and bodies that have already moved their assessment processes online.

With these measures, education is expected to undergo a significant transformation in the next years, as the Indian government leaves no stone unturned in its quest to swiftly advance with the most modern educational technology and alter the country’s digital environment.

Latest tools, Methodologies:

By putting an end to traditional teaching methods and issues like teacher shortages, insufficient student-teacher ratios, and insufficient teaching resources, digitization in education has paved the way for the most up-to-date teaching tools and methodologies to reach students in even the most remote parts of the country. With one of the government’s aims being inclusive education, the remote teaching approach is likely to be successful.

Teachers can also use technology to connect with several students in different locations at the same time. Interactive digital media is also a fantastic answer to the country’s teacher shortage. It intends to employ technology to enhance the abilities of instructors using the online site DIKSHA to accomplish this.

Online Examinations:

Exams are now administered online, in keeping with educational trends. Customized tests, online proctoring, and certification are all supported by digital platforms, as well as safe, scalable, and trustworthy remote exams. These web-based computerized online examinations provide several advantages, including cost savings, time savings, a larger reach and high security. This is because the process reduces human, operational, infrastructure, and logistical expenses while also reducing the amount of time spent planning, coordinating, and generating results. With no geographical limitations, the platform may handle a considerably bigger applicant pool while assuring auto invigilation of each candidate through stringent content leakage and impersonation protection.

Significant changes in the way universities and colleges deliver education, will occur in the coming years as a result of digital education. This rapid use of digital technologies in both educational access and evaluation is not a passing trend; it will have long-term effects that will define the new normal future. We shall soon see a plethora of opportunities emerge from digital education to empower India’s youths.