Edtech: Target Setting in EdTech
Educational Evolution: Harnessing Technology for Accessible Learning in India
The relationship between education and technology has been an intricate dance throughout history, with each taking turns leading the other. Like two sides of the same coin, education, and technology have remained inseparable. Questions have often been raised about whether education gives birth to technology, or whether it is technology that truly enables education.
For instance, the invention of the Gutenberg printing press made knowledge more accessible to the masses than ever before. But what sparked this transformation? The truth is, the connection between education and technology is a seamless circle, with no discernible beginning or end.
Tracing back the origins of human learning, perhaps the first technology was the ability to communicate knowledge — the simple act of writing or drawing murals on cave walls. These rudimentary technologies made education accessible in the most primitive societies. In the context of the 21st century and specifically for India, the question becomes how we can harness modern technologies to make education both accessible and affordable.
India stands at a significant demographic crossroads. If its resources, such as education, are not harnessed and optimally utilised, the nation risks falling into an abyss of missed opportunities. The strain on hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the consequences of inadequate resource planning. Similarly, a burgeoning gap in income levels could lead to dire future implications if left unchecked.
The solution? Leverage the potential of emerging technologies in the education system, giving individuals the autonomy to choose their preferred tools of learning. This will foster a sense of ownership and encourage self-determined progression.
Considering governance, the recent New Education Policy could have been a step in the right direction. However, it still exhibits a top-down approach. The current technology landscape, conversely, encourages a bottom-up approach. It fosters a distributed, synchronous model of learning where educational resources, like videos, can be accessed from any corner of the world.
But what should be the targets for the ed-tech sector in this new era of learning? This remains an open-ended question. One crucial aspect, however, will always be the simplification of content and delivery. By making learning straightforward and engaging, technology can indeed democratize education, rendering it more accessible and affordable for everyone across the country.
Therefore, as India stands on the precipice of change, the intertwining journey of education and technology becomes even more significant. By embracing this intricate dance, India can unlock its demographic dividend and chart a path toward a prosperous future.
