Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need conventional schooling to gain knowledge or to learn a new skill. Yes, we are talking about education technology (Edtech) that offers flexibility and allows students to learn from online sources they find appropriate and relevant. The major benefit is that students can learn at their own pace and time with Edtech.
With the increasing penetration of internet connectivity and the availability of affordable smartphones, the education landscape has witnessed a tremendous shift from offline to online. Many renowned EdTech platforms, such as Byju’s, Unacademy, Vedantu, etc., have emerged as popular solutions to address the challenges in traditional education and provide accessible & quality learning opportunities.
Even the pandemic has resulted in increasing Edtech funding. According to the reports, Edtech funding was 1.72x higher in 2021. Moreover, Edtech was the only industry to acquire the highest funding for startups in India’s education sector.
Undoubtedly, various benefits of Edtech over traditional education need to be considered. It’s time to determine what our education sector’s new “normal” will entail.
In this article, you will discover the rise of Edtech in India. So, without any further ado, let’s dive in:
The Rise of Edtech in India in 2023!
Computer-assisted learning is a gradual evolution brought on by advancements in technology. Schools and training facilities adapted the new technology to optimize education and allow unrestricted access to educational resources. Moreover, improving video conferencing software and multimedia resources has made Edtech more usable and efficient.
Today, many schools and institutions have realized that integrating technology into education promotes a diverse learning environment and makes students smart and diligent. It is because Edtech has the potential to improve efficiency, reduce costs, permit higher levels of standardization, and democratize access by altering the traditional architecture of education.
Benefits of Edtech
Technology in education today is no longer limited to digital whiteboards; it is beyond that! Keeping this in mind, let us understand some of the advantages how technology has benefitted the education sector:
1. Variety of study materials
Students have access to many study materials that they can easily access online. It makes learning fun as numerous apps inspire students and turn learning into a game.
2. Ease of accessibility
Every individual has a different pace for grabbing information. Edtech makes it easier to learn at one’s own pace and time.
3. One-stop destination for learning
In India, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) help students to connect with students globally. These courses are user-friendly and aid in providing education in a way that helps learners easily grasp the concept.
4. Reduced financial cost
Anyone interested in increasing their knowledge and skill set will find it much more affordable because of the lower cost of online learning to achieve a degree or another professional qualification.
What’s the Current Status of the Edtech Industry?
There is no denying the fact that there has been a digital divide in learning. But Edtech is bridging the educational gap between the poor and the rich by making quality education accessible and affordable via mobile phones or laptops.
Edtech platform’s services are compatible with all devices to make access to education easy for everyone, specifically for students who can’t afford to spend on high tuition fees or commuting charges. Furthermore, it can improve the prospects and opportunities for people from all socioeconomic backgrounds.
India’s Edtech sector is booming because of diligent entrepreneurs. They have developed affordable learning products and have access to a huge range of qualified educators.
With top-notch quality content and efficient educators, individuals worldwide are enrolling with top-rated Indian Edtech brands such as Byju’s, Unacademy, UpGrad, Vedantu, IIM Skills, edX, Udemy, and more.
Many Indian Edtech companies gradually expand their worldwide footprint by partnering with overseas universities or acquiring foreign businesses. These companies are expanding because they believe their services are of high quality, and international contracts also give them greater exposure and access to funding in developed markets.
The Flipside of EdTech
The rise of Edtech in India has revolutionalized the education system in India and worldwide. However, some potential drawbacks to Edtech can be problematic for students.
Many philosophers believe that the presence of educational technology can distract students. Besides distraction, it can minimize face-to-face exposure, cause overstimulation due to excessive screen time, and lack emotional development.
Edtech may also diminish students’ cognitive development and problem-solving skills. Some students also experience hard curricular planning while studying via Edtech platforms.
Thus, it is recommended that children using distance learning must interact with their peers or other children. If not, their parents should indulge them in extracurricular activities such as swimming, cricket, learning music, etc., that will boost their confidence and ensure they remain socially active.
Conclusion
More and more businesses are embracing the rise of Edtech in India as they become aware of its enormous potential. According to numerous estimates, there are hundreds of Edtech startups in India as of 2022, though exact figures may vary.
It won’t be an understatement if we say that Edtech is a shining example of a sector bringing Indian pedagogy to the rest of the globe.
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