Digital learning: Here’s what can lead to better emplyability of youth
Even though mid-level jobs are at threat, there is a demand for developers with skill-sets in fields of Big Data, Analytics, design, machine learning, mobility, IoT and artificial intelligence
The advent of education-based technology has
brought a major change to the Indian education ecosystem. E-learning concepts,
tools, models and methodologies have been readily deployed for interactive
education. The pragmatic approach of the government, educators and institutions
has placed India ahead of counterparts even among developed countries.
According to a recent study of global-level online learning programme, after
the US, India has been reported to have the second-highest number of online
course enrolments, with more than over 155,000 students from the country. In
fact, of a total of around 1.2 million students worldwide, 15% are from India.
In India, there is a gamut of audience out
there which aspires to enrol for courses that can anchor their careers. Even
though the advent of digital education revolution started just over three years
ago, the evolution has been gigantic. Despite a section of Indians being inclined
towards the brick-and-mortar format of learning, the e-learning industry is
gaining acceptance at a very fast pace. There is a growing understanding of the
fact that direct-to-device technology empowers students seeking higher or
skilled-based education to get quality classroom experience and education,
anytime and anywhere, without having to relocate or pay hefty course fees.
Technology-led reach and easy access will
bring about a socio-economic difference in the lives of Indian learners. The
advent of digital education in India is a shot in the arm for making quality
learning affordable to the masses. With each passing year, we are witnessing a
rise in the number of collaborations and partnerships between Indian and
international academic institutions for continuous upgrade of skills and make
students ready for the job market. In 2014, when India launched its own Massive
Open Online Course (MOOC) platform called the SWAYAM (Study Webs of
Active-learning for Young Aspiring Minds), the country also moved towards a
mega mission, which was to turn it into an education technology-enabled nation.
Further, digital learning has relieved the
Indian youth of that age-old dilemma: Whether to continue studying or quit to
focus on landing a job. Live and interactive digital learning formats are
providing wings to an individual’s career aspirations by offering experiential
learning and imparting comprehensive and specialised knowledge, without having
them to quit their jobs.
One of the biggest problems faced in India is
that almost all highly-skilled professionals are based in bigger cities.
However, that is rapidly changing, with the tremendous opportunities available
in rural India. Initiatives such as Digital India have taken the task of
connecting rural India to the internet. With a huge student segment in India
between the age groups of 18 to 35, who are willing to learn online, Ed-Tech
(education technology) simplifies this process by taking the knowledge to
masses through internet connectivity.
The challenges faced by rural India,
especially of resources and scarcity of teachers, can be handled to an extent
with the online mode. Students who are connected can enrol themselves in
courses offered by prestigious institutions globally and get expert advice from
seasoned stalwarts across industries, giving them the classroom experience and
interaction that will open up avenues for diverse career options.
The good news is that the leading Ed-Tech
firms today believe in offering a holistic e-learning solution to students.
Through such offerings, students have an edge in learning, along with an
opportunity to progress in their career.
Management courses are ahead in terms of
collaborative ventures between international industry leaders and Indian
Ed-tech companies. Certificate courses in areas such as strategic asset
management, financial management, digital marketing, international corporate
relations, etc, are popular as they are pertinent, have a specific course and
syllabus structure, generate high-paying jobs, and have a comparatively shorter
time-frame.
Considering the recent developments in the Indian education scenario, various
national and international players have decided to take a step further and
introduce certain unique innovations in the digital domain to provide services
that plug the gaps in India’s learning ecosystem.
Interactive and educative games are a known
phenomenon these days. Various researches have established the fact that
lessons learnt in an interactive and enjoyable environment have a far-reaching
impact on children as well as on young adults. Take the case of virtual
reality. If you want to study the map of Europe or you want to see the ceiling
of the Sistine Chapel, you can do so in the classroom. Such practical
demonstrations have become possible through the presence of virtual reality
devices. A recent news says that Pokeman augmented reality is the way to go for
teaching.
India’s e-learning market is growing at a rapid pace, which could change the
country’s socio-economic landscape. This trend will definitely continue in the
near future as technological services become easier to distribute. And there is
no doubt that higher education possesses tremendous potential to improve the
lives of many people, and bridge the existing educational gap.
Regards
Pralhad Jadhav
Senior Manager @ Library
Khaitan & Co
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