Over the years the Indian education system has rapidly improved and has been receiving recognition for the quality and high standards of teaching. Classroom learning is also undergoing change at an unprecedented rate and it is evolving the teaching methods and driving the way students consume educational content. In the past, computers used to occupy an entire room, and only a few organisations could afford them, but now they have given a new dimension to the education sector.

The technology in the sector is also transforming India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. Under the Digital India programme, our government has introduced initiatives such as e-education, e-basta, Nand Ghar which will impart education using technologies including smartphones, mobile apps and internet services in far-flung areas where teachers may not be present in-person.

Today, adoption of cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are redefining the education sector.

Personalised teaching through AI

With integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, we can narrow the gaps in delivery of education, in learning, teaching and allow schools/teachers to do more than ever before. It can drive efficiency, personalisation and streamline administrative tasks to allow teachers the time and freedom to provide understanding and adaptability—uniquely human capabilities where machines would struggle. AI is giving a huge boost to personalised and differentiated learning experience for students. It can help students by treating each one as unique and adapting lessons according to an individual’s capacity.

Artificial Intelligence has the power to revolutionize the process of teaching and improve the learning outcomes among students by strengthening the exercise of skill-development. AI is also unlocking the potential of collaborative learning that helps the student clear concepts through crowdsourcing. Machine learning algorithms ensure that the content is personalised and of high-quality. This system ignites interest among students and instils confidence in them.

Blended Learning: Fun and engagement with AR and VR

Blended learning helps the students to correlate different concepts and draw connections between the bigger themes. It enhances the problem-solving ability of students and allows them to apply their learning in real life situations efficiently. Augmented Reality technology expands the physical world by adding layers of digital information onto what we see with the naked eye. It augments the surrounding by adding sounds, videos and graphics. The arrival of pioneering technologies in e-learning has massively impacted the efficiency and helped students to directly interact with study material. Blended learning and digital formats help the teachers network with each other and with educationists from other schools through common online platforms, besides easy access and sharing of resources for interactive classroom training.

This is paramount to keep student’s engagement levels high and promote 21^st century skills such as creativity, problem-solving, critical thinking and analysis.

DIY (Do-it-yourself) Learning: Growing mobile-based learning solutions

There is a massive global transformation in education driven by the shifting economic landscape of the new talent economy, the vast influence of technology and perceptions that education systems are out of step with learners. A new trend of “do-it-yourself” (DIY) mindset is being adopted by today’s learners, adding to their formal education with a mix of self-teaching, short courses and online learning to keep pace with the talent economy. According to the Global Learner’s Survey by Pearson, there is a major shift in education towards Do-It-Yourself (DIY) learning. 78% of Indian learners believe that using technology to support their learning, makes it easier and more fun. 81% of learners worldwide say education is poised to become more self-serviced. A DIY mindset is reshaping education and learners are layering on to their traditional education by mixing and matching what works and what they can afford to upskill and train themselves for the ever-evolving business landscape.

The survey also shows that learners are thinking beyond the traditional notions of learning, signalling a massive opportunity for education providers to reinvent learning to meet the needs of a new generation. Mobile-based learning solutions such as the apps and videos have offered students the flexibility to access educational content seamlessly and has opened new avenues for a student living in small-town to access to learning content, video and course so that they can fulfil their dream of studying in a top college of the country.

Conclusion

The education sector might be slower to adopt artificial intelligence and machine learning, but the changes will gradually re-imagine learning. The government’s focus on education through the Digital India initiative, has the potential to leverage technology in the sector to drive India towards its social and economic goals. The power of technology cannot be denied. It is engaging students and teachers in ways like never before and is poised to become the key for transformation in future.

The above article is authored by Ramananda SG, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Pearson India

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