More than 300 million Indian children had their physical education disrupted by the pandemic, which led to greater reliance on computers in schools and classrooms. According to a Pearson Global Learners Survey of Indians, students without adequate access to technology are more likely to feel that online learning has exacerbated their educational disadvantages. Many disadvantaged students dropped out of school because of a lack of robust digital infrastructure, poor Internet connectivity, and limited access to digital devices.
There are several initiatives to bring them back into the mainstream, but access to technology and devices is necessary for this to happen.
Read More: The government launches a green youth movement in order to improve the environment
Across the divide
Indian education inequality stems from the socioeconomic divide, which is a cause for concern. Every child has the right to an education, as guaranteed by Article 21A of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of the Child.
Despite the high cost of a modern education, it cannot be stopped due to the exponential rise in demand. This is a direct result of a growing awareness of the importance of education. Putting education at the forefront of policy-making and involving India Inc. in supporting education for the underprivileged is one possible solution. Contributions from the diaspora and institutional endowments both have the potential to assist.
Education technology companies have played an important role in the transition to and delivery of online learning through enhanced digital learning solutions. Education can achieve equity by making technology-enhanced alternatives to traditional approaches to teaching and learning accessible to everyone.
The need to improve Internet access across the country is critical. In the future, with the help of low-data-consumption solutions like community radio and subsidised devices and data, There have already been attempts to integrate traditional educational methods with cutting-edge technological innovations. Individualized learning solutions, flexible course schedules, accessibility and interactivity, as well as innovative learning pedagogy, all enabled by technology, will improve the quality of education.
Alliances between the government, education companies, and learning institutions are needed to make blended learning more widely available. Increasingly, students’ interests are interdisciplinary and non-traditional. The use of technology to provide relevant and diverse content through immersive experiences and experiential learning is therefore necessary.
Read more: Smartphones can be cooled with new material
This includes the SEL
Schools that don’t incorporate social-emotional learning into their curriculums risk creating a community of students who aren’t prepared for today’s world. E-learning has the potential to spread this important information. As a result, it can help with problem solving, responsible decision-making, goal setting, developing interpersonal skills, and building meaningful relationships.
The future of education is “phygital” and consists of a variety of blended learning methods. Course materials, faculty training, and the adoption of learning management systems all need to be digitally ready for students. Innovative, interactive, and collaborative methods that incorporate immersive technologies, psychometric assessments, and social-emotional learning (SEL) are needed in the classroom. All stakeholders must work together more effectively if we are to ensure equal educational opportunities for all.