What’s promoting digital education in India?

Education is the building block of a bright future, not only for the learner but also for the wider ecosystem – governments, private players, etc. – who stand to benefit from knowledge and creativity. While conventional and legacy methods of teaching still exist in schools around the country, technology is now surfacing as a gamechanger.

Some of the leading trends in technology are preparing students, as well as the industry, to embrace novel learning methods, which provide sophistication, convenience and at the same time, enhance exposure. However, it’s valid to note that the Indian education system has not remained far behind to adapt to the changing paradigm.

Let us learn more about the trends that are working behind the promotion of digital education in India.

• Self-paced learning space
  Conventionally, we have been used to the idea of attending classes to learn from a teacher. Today, the plethora of digital devices and technological advancements have ensured that students no longer need to rely upon the classroom structure to be able to learn. From portable devices to e-learning, digital education is already happening right now and is no longer a thing of the future. One of the most important benefits of this is that a student can pick his own pace while understanding a topic. He need not push himself to match the learning speed of his fellow classmates. A student can adapt to his own schedule, interests, strengths and weaknesses and make a clear decision about the time, place and duration of studying. This advanced learning space has the potential to develop a responsible and mature personality in a student.

• Access for everyone
  Equal access to learning, resources and study materials has been further aided by technology. Students all over the country now have increased access to learning opportunities. There is no longer an implicit need for students to relocate to metropolitan cities to get their chance at a quality education. Overcoming the geographic and demographic boundaries to education has been one of the most important achievements that technology has contributed towards the field of education.

• One on one learning environment
  Conventionally, we have been used to the idea of attending classes to learn from a teacher. Today, the plethora of digital devices and technological advancements have ensured that students no longer need to rely upon the classroom structure to be able to learn. From portable devices to e-learning, digital education is already happening right now and is no longer a thing of the future. One of the most important benefits of this is that a student can pick his own pace while understanding a topic. He need not push himself to match the learning speed of his fellow classmates. A student can adapt to his own schedule, interests, strengths and weaknesses and make a clear decision about the time, place and duration of studying. This advanced learning space has the potential to develop a responsible and mature personality in a student.

• Video-based resources
  It is no surprise why video-based lectures and learning modules appeal far more to students, given the benefits that we have discussed in the points above. Video-based learning is not only interactive, but also provides scope to students to banish the fear of time rigidity and punishments. Students are at liberty to watch an online video again, at their comfort, for a complete understanding of a topic. This makes them confident and boosts their learning abilities. It is no wonder why students tend to show a preference for such video-based resources and learning modules today, especially when they can take learning in their own hands!

• Interactive study resources
  When was the last time any of us actually went through each word of a 700 page textbook book? Perhaps never! That is because it is almost impossible to expect every student to be able to grasp all the information given in such textbooks and for multiple subjects. Online learning resources and study materials provide crisp and updated information to students, which they can use to grasp the concepts quicker. Online study materials work to enhance the sensory responses of students as well since they help in widening the imagination and improve the cognitive skills of the student. Moreover, such study materials can be easily downloaded across multiple gadgets and devices, making it easier for students to read them anytime and anyplace.

• Virtual and augmented reality
  One of the recent introductions in the field of education, virtual and augmentative reality is responsible for unleashing a whole new world of learning for students. Lectures and formulas in subjects like history, mathematics and science, can be taught in a far more efficient manner with the help of these technologies. With this improvement in the field of technology, students can move beyond the theoretical dictations in their textbooks and learn something new and beyond their books. While it may not be apparent at first, but students can perform far better with the help of such technologies. Firstly, they enhance the medium of teaching crucial concepts such as formulas and reasoning behind them. On another level, the digital explanation and depiction can help a student understand the rationale behind such concepts, clearing his understanding in a far clearer and efficient way.

It will not be wrong to contend that technology has opened a whole new and wide world of possibilities for students and teachers. Not only will this technology upgrade help in enhancing skills and talent in students but it will also pave the way for creating a bright future for them. The rote learning approach to studies can be put to rest and substituted with digital learning, which is not only interactive but also easy to update. Students need no longer rely upon textbooks for understanding crucial concepts, which are now a channel for real life problem solving, only through the capabilities provided by technology.

It has been found that more than 73 per cent of teachers and students collectively make use of digital devices daily. A staggering 86 per cent of learning institutions are now equipped with Wi-Fi, making them capable of teaching via the internet. Almost 95 per cent of teachers today agree that technology use has created a positive impact on students and their understanding of a subject.

Watching these figures, it will not be hard to agree that the upcoming trends in technology are leaving no stone unturned to promote digital education in India! About 65 per cent of educational institutions today make provision for digital devices for their students.

A robust and intuitive school management system such as Eduwonka can ensure the seamless distribution of such devices across classrooms and help the administrative staff maintain updated records for each device. We believe in making educational institutions the building blocks for such technological advancement within their precincts and aiding students achieve an all – round success for their bright future.