India is known for its rich educational history. From gurukuls to universities like Nalanda, Takshashila University, Ujjain, and Vikramshila Universities, India is known to house many famous academicians and educationists. However, the education system in the last couple of decades has seen a massive change. With over a billion population in our country, it makes it one of the largest education systems in the world.
It is also evident that the quality of education in India varies regionally. For instance, recent ASER reports cite that Kerala’s visibility outshines while Northern states show laggardly development. Now, it is also important to argue about the quality of education depending on his/her enrollment in government-run schools or fee-based private schools.
Digital learning – a facilitator of quality education
As our country is making way for a digital India progression, it is imminent to treat Education as an ‘equaliser’ towards equality and upliftment of the society. Several factors like poverty, lack of knowledge, gender inequality, and inadequate resources have highly contributed to the rate of illiteracy reaching heights.
While the concept of Digital teaching and learning seemed ‘futuristic’ a while ago, it has become a necessity during the Covid-19 pandemic. It not only proved to be a viable and sustainable option in the education system but also highlighted some flaws like learning gaps, digital inequality and access to the internet.
E-schooling is one of the best ways to achieve equality through digital transformation. With fading geographical boundaries, learning opportunities are numerous. One of the advantages of the pandemic was the revelation of distance learning. Virtual schooling enabled students to access learning anytime and from anywhere and to learn at their own pace.
It is rightly believed by many that digitalising the country’s education system would help reduce the country’s learning inequalities by making education accessible to a large number of students. This is because of its very nature – being online- can accommodate the larger class size and bridge geographical gaps between teachers and students. As a result, it can provide everyone, including students attending schools in remote areas, with access to education.
Shifting the focus from teacher to student
E-schooling tends to shift the focus from the teacher to the student to carry out their research and use their learning to be more independent. This also facilitates accountability of the students. Allowing the student to ask questions 1:1 and clarify their understanding will enable them to broaden their comprehension of subjects. Education should cater to the needs of students to mobilise better learning. With the evolution of technology, it is now possible for students to distinguish their learning styles and inescapably go on to pursue these courses, whether in the form of blended learning or through a course that is only based online.
